Released on October 16, 2001
"While there have been no confirmed cases of bioterrorism in Canada, andthe 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