A task force to take forward recommendations by the SARS Expert Committee has set the timeframe for urgent tasks to be accomplished within six months, while some will need longer time to plan, develop and achieve.

Chaired by the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, the task force met this evening to discuss ways to take forward the recommendations.

Strategies and action plans will be drawn up to take forward the recommendations.

They also agreed:

* to study the recommendations of the Expert Committee and determine how best to take forward the implementation of them;

* to co-ordinate with government bureaux/departments, the Hospital Authority, the academic and research community, relevant non-government organisations and the private health care sector stakeholders in the implementation of the recommendations; and

* to make regular progress reports to the Monitoring Committee on Implementation.

The Task Force on Implementation of the Recommendations of the SARS Expert Committee Report comprise representatives from the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau, Department of Health, and Hospital Authority as well as members from relevant government bureaux and departments.

Members of the Monitoring Committee are SARS Expert Committee co-chairpersons Sir Cyril Chantler and Professor Sian Griffiths, members Prof Rosie Young and Prof Lee Shiu-hung, and legislator Dr Lo Wing-lok.