It is common knowledge that areas of our country have had, and continue to deal with outbreaks of the SARS virus. It is only prudent then, that we, the CWSF2003 Host Committee, take steps to provide the safest possible environment for our visitors in May. In consultation with YSF Canada, Health Canada, the Calgary Health Region and the University of Calgary we would like you to be aware of the following advice:

• If you are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing).
• If you have been contact with a SARS-affected person.
• If you have visited a health facility or other facility that has been identified by public health officials as being affected.
• If you have traveled recently to a high risk country as identified by Health Canada (see web site below).

If any of the above factors applies to you, we would like you to consider not participating in this year's fair because of the possible health risk to other participants.

We are not anticipating that SARS virus will impact our Science Fair and we want to assure you that we consider the University of Calgary to be a safe site. The CWSF2003 Host Committee will be taking all prudent measures to ensure that the Canada-Wide Science Fair will be a safe environment for all participants. For detail on the SARS virus in Canada, Calgary and at the University of Calgary please refer to the following web sites:

www.ucalgary.ca/oncampus/stories/sars.html
www.calgaryhealthregion.ca
www.hc-sc.gc.ca

It will be our intention to follow advice given in these sites with respect to the SARS virus and public safety.