Speaking to the group assembled on the lawn in front of Gongziting, Professor Hu conveyed Labor Day greetings to the students, and told them he hoped they would cooperate with the University to safely get through this tough period.

He explained the anti-SARS work currently being done on campus, and told the students that much remains to be done to contain the spread of the deadly virus. He said that the measures in place now are effective and the current situation is “fairly good.” Therefore, the campus is a relatively safe place, he said.

Tsinghua is very concerned about the students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and other foreign students, Professor Hu said. At present, they can decide for themselves whether to stay or leave campus; however, it is in the best interests of each student if they live on campus. Those who want to leave for home should keep in touch with the university during their absence. For any student who chooses to go, returning to Tsinghua will require advance approval from the related departments or schools.

Professor Hu reminded the students to be alert but not to panic, and urged them to increase their contact with the University, and to be cooperative and follow the school’s rules regarding SARS.

Afterwards, students raised a number of questions.

Tsinghua has 144 students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; Some 20 of them have applied to leave for home.