We’re not ready for SARS outbreak, warn doctors

STRIKING public health doctors have disputed claims by the Department of Health that adequate safeguards are in place to protect the country against the SARS epidemic.

They have also accused Minister Micheál Martin of failing to take their strike seriously, after his failure to respond to this weekend's offer of talks at the Labour Relations Commission.

The worsening of the row comes after China admitted the true number of SARS cases there was 10 times that previously reported, and cancelled the May Bank Holiday to prevent the mass movement of people, which could spread the disease.