Dr. David L. Heymann
Executive Director
Communicable Diseases
World Health Organization
20, avenue Appia
Geneva, Switzerland
CH-1211
Dear Dr. Heymann,
I am writing to express Health Canada’s concern and disappointment over the World Health Organization’s decision to issue a travel advisory recommending that persons planning to travel to Toronto consider postponing all but essential travel. We take strong exception to the WHO’s recommendation and we are urging you to reconsider your position.
There is no evidence of any casual transmission of SARS in Toronto and every case of SARS can be linked back to the original Canadian case. Health Canada officials have been working closely with the WHO since the SARS outbreak began and we have consistently supplied you with current, reliable epidemiological information. We have a clear understanding of the specific settings in which this disease has been transmitted in Canada and are confident in the steps being taken to control the disease in the Toronto area and throughout Canada.
We look forward to discussing this very pressing issue with you so that steps can be taken to reassess your position in light of the information we have been providing you.
Sincerely,
J. Scott Broughton
Assistant Deputy Minister
Population and Public Health Branch
Health Canada
Executive Director
Communicable Diseases
World Health Organization
20, avenue Appia
Geneva, Switzerland
CH-1211
Dear Dr. Heymann,
I am writing to express Health Canada’s concern and disappointment over the World Health Organization’s decision to issue a travel advisory recommending that persons planning to travel to Toronto consider postponing all but essential travel. We take strong exception to the WHO’s recommendation and we are urging you to reconsider your position.
There is no evidence of any casual transmission of SARS in Toronto and every case of SARS can be linked back to the original Canadian case. Health Canada officials have been working closely with the WHO since the SARS outbreak began and we have consistently supplied you with current, reliable epidemiological information. We have a clear understanding of the specific settings in which this disease has been transmitted in Canada and are confident in the steps being taken to control the disease in the Toronto area and throughout Canada.
We look forward to discussing this very pressing issue with you so that steps can be taken to reassess your position in light of the information we have been providing you.
Sincerely,
J. Scott Broughton
Assistant Deputy Minister
Population and Public Health Branch
Health Canada
