Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem has issued a nationwide alert to prevent any return of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS.

His warning, to cities, provinces and ministries, followed a World Health Organisation caution that the pneumonia-like virus could re-appear this winter and its confirmation that an incidence of SARS had been identified in Singapore.

The Deputy Prime Minister has asked customs officials to strengthen their border monitoring and quarantine facilities and report any suspected cases to the Health Ministry.

He asks also that isolation quarters be set aside at border crossings and airports and that the Health Ministry provide staff to monitor people arriving.

He also wants information about the virus and measures for its prevention disseminated to raise the public's awareness about the danger of the disease.

The National Committee for Sports and Physical Training has been assigned to work with the Health Ministry and localities hosting the 22nd SEAGames to devise plans for combating SARS and any other epidemics.