SARS ban on Games visitors

THE Government is to ask visitors from countries worst affected by outbreaks of SARS not to travel to Ireland for next month’s Special Olympic games.

Health Minister Micheál Martin said he regretted the decision, but had to act in the best interests of the nation and the athletes due to take part in the games.

The move to ban certain countries followed recommendations from the department’s SARS expert group, led by chief medical officer Dr Jim Kiely.