HEALTH AND SECURITY TOP PRIORITY

Released on October 16, 2001

"While there have been no confirmed cases of bioterrorism in Canada, and

the potential likelihood of biological terrorism attacks in the province is

small and the risk is low, any report of a suspicious package is being

taken seriously," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones

said. "Measures are being taken throughout the province to ensure public

safety."



Recognizing there is a heightened state of public awareness because of

incidents where anthrax has been confirmed in the United States and other

suspicious packages arriving in Canada, the public is encouraged to remain

calm, keep informed and be cautious.



People who receive suspicious or unexpected packages or envelopes should

contact the local police or RCMP for advice on how they should be handled.



"We are working hard to make sure we are prepared in the unlikely event

that a bioterrorism case is confirmed," Dr. Butler-Jones said.



It is important emergency personnel be available to respond to protect the

public. Therefore, the public is advised tampering with the mail, even as

a hoax, is a criminal offence and will be investigated by the police.



A provincial committee, made up of officials in health, law enforcement,

emergency measures, ambulance, justice, municipal government, lab personnel

and others, has been established to ensure that proper response and co-

ordination to these issues is provided.



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader

Communications Branch

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083