Nine exposed to SARS are from P.R.C., not Taiwan

Nine Chinese-Belizeans remain quarantined at home tonight as medical authorities continue to monitor them for symptoms of the deadly SARS virus. Contrary to what we reported on our newscast last night, it now appears that the quarantined family members are dual nationals of Belize and the People’s Republic of China, and not Taiwan. They are believed to reside in the northern districts. Ministry of Health officials have declined to comment on their nationality or address, other than to say they are Belizeans. Eleven people originally travelled to Mainland China and were returning to Belize when two developed symptoms of SARS and were detained in Los Angeles. They subsequently tested positive for the disease. If none of the nine develops symptoms by Wednesday, they will be released from quarantine.