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For those who were wondering if SARS might have an impact on the upcoming ALA conference in Toronto in June:
WHO Lifts SARS Warning Against Toronto Travel
Tue April 29, 2003 01:16 PM ET
GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it would lift from Wednesday its warning against unnecessary travel to Toronto imposed because of the risk of SARS.
The decision was announced at a news conference by WHO Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland after talks with Canadian officials.
It took a trip to Geneva, intense pressure from all levels of government and megamillions in an upcoming advertising campaign, but the World Health Organization is lifting its S.A.R.S. travel advisory on Toronto effective Wednesday.
The long awaited confirmation came from the U.N.-based health group Tuesday afternoon. The move follows a trip to the W.H.O.'s headquarters in Switzerland by Ontario's Health Minister Tony Clement, the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Colin D'Dunha and Toronto's Dr. Barbara Yaffe.
The ban was imposed last week, leading to many cancellations and devastating the city's tourism industry. Hotels and restaurants were especially hard hit, after the W.H.O. announcement was proclaimed worldwide, and caused many to rethink their plans about coming here. The government is still planning a multimillion dollar global tourist push to convince reluctant travellers that Toronto is safer now than it's ever been.
Karen McKenzie
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Canada