Relief and anger as tests clear SARS suspect

THERE was a mixture of relief and anger in Dun Laoghaire last night as news filtered through that blood tests carried out on the Chinese woman suspected of having SARS had proved negative.

The Chinese woman had stayed in the Marina House Hostel in Dun Laoghaire over the weekend prompting fears among locals that they may have been infected after coming in contact with her.

Locals were relieved to hear that their concerns were unfounded yesterday evening, but were still angry at the lack of communication from officials in the Department of Justice. People living and working near the Dun Laoghaire hostel criticised the health authorities over their failure to provide any advice on the potential threat posed by the disease.