Fees used on sterilization of public places and infected sites and vehicles should be shouldered by local governmental departments, rather than rural people or students in any form, the panel on the reform of rural taxes and fees said.

Residents from infected rural zones should be spared fees for physical examinations and medical observations, and relevant booklets and materials concerning SARS prevention should be issued without charge.

The order forbids any fee collection for the prevention or treatment of SARS.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2003)