"We're wearing masks not because we are afraid, but kind of for precaution and protection of other people," said Koren Sin.

Koren, a senior at Sacred Heart Canossian College, an all-girls school in Pokfulam, Hong Kong, shared this sentiment during a recent videoconference with Y-Press. Many of her fellow students, all sporting white surgical masks, were eager to talk about how SARS has affected their daily lives and outlooks.

Ivy Wong, another senior, agreed with Koren.

"Our school does encourage us to wear masks because this can ensure our safety. The spread of SARS has become under control, but we still have to take precautions."

SARS, a highly contagious, airborne respiratory disease, became a baffling epidemic in many parts of the world. The illness is responsible for an estimated 298 deaths in Hong Kong, and its precise origin is still unknown.

Scientists think SARS -- severe acute respiratory syndrome -- may have originated from farm animals in southern China and believe it is transmitted through droplets of body fluids.

After acknowledging the disease, Hong Kong's government instituted stringent health precautions and launched "Cleaning Hong Kong." The nationwide program promotes a "zero tolerance" approach to unhygienic practices, cracking down on littering, spitting, dirty streets and unsafe food preparation.

These students agree that Hong Kong residents have united to improve sanitation and battle the threat of SARS.

"Hong Kong people faced great difficulties in realizing the truth that an epidemic can actually break out in a modern city like Hong Kong," said senior Jenny Wong.

Daily precautions

Amy Chan: We've become more alert to the personal hygiene. We wash our hands more frequently, before meals and after going to the streets.

Koren: Our parents have become more aware of hygiene. We have to mop the floor every day with bleach to ensure that the floor is clean enough. Before I enter my place, I have to clean my shoes with bleach and water.

Anna Yuen: We have to measure our body temperature every day before we go to school. If our body temperature is higher that 37.2 degrees Celsius, then we are advised not to come to school.

Amy Yip: On its Web site, the health department has an ever-updated list of the buildings where people are infected.

Tracy Tang: I think we should all not let our guards down. I think there might be another outbreak if people let their guards down.

Government response

Jenny: I think the government has done a great job in this, and through the media and the public education, it (has increased) people's awareness concerning SARS.

Sandy Au: On June 2, local leaders of Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, the Orthodox Church, Hinduism, Sikhism and the Ba'hai faith, together with our Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and some government officials, held a function to pray for SARS patients and their families. . . . This also shows that we are very united in battling SARS.

Stephanie Huang: Actually, people weren't very happy with Tung Chee-hwa even before SARS. And even though the government was a little slow on the uptake, they've done a great job.

Koren: Well, I don't quite agree with you guys. When SARS first broke out in China, (the government) did not take enough precautions. They just think that this isn't affecting Hong Kong at all. So when the first case broke out in Hong Kong, they did not warn the citizens.

Ivy: I do agree. In November of last year, there was the first SARS case in mainland China, but I will say the communication between the Hong Kong government and mainland China is not very efficient.

Anny Lam: In November, before the outbreak of this SARS, the government didn't take any precaution. Even after the outbreak of SARS, . . . some parents even felt so worried that they didn't even allow children to go to school. However, the government still didn't suspend the school at that time.

Kathy Mok: The damage is done. It is no use yelling at the one who reported the seriousness of it to you just because he was a little late. It seems to me that some people in Hong Kong are ignorant as well because all they do is blame the government. They do not wear masks when they go out in public. They do not contribute in "Cleaning Hong Kong."

Hope for the future

Kathy: The current situation in Hong Kong has been getting so much better, and I guess everyone in the city has indeed learned something out of it. I see no fears around, and our normal lives are back. I do hope Hong Kong will be free of masks soon, and our tourists will come back.

Gloria Chan: And also we are learning how to appreciate others' work. We have learned how to treasure time with each other.

Annie Chiu: I have become more faithful. I prayed often for the people who were suffering from SARS. I believe that God will always be with us to overcome the difficulties.

Amy Chan: As Hong Kongers, we have worked hand-in-hand to face the difficult time because all of us realize that cooperation and self-discipline are essential. I have become more alert and concerned about things happening in my society. . . . It's time for me to think a little more deeply: How can I sacrifice for the society? How can I utilize my ability to serve others?

The most important thing all Hong Kong people have learned can be wrapped up by the latest slogan: "Refuel our hearts with strengths."

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Stephen Miller, 14.

REPORTER: Jessika Officer, 10.

____________________________________

Restrictions go too far, students say

SARS precautions have prevented many from traveling to U.S. for college programs.

As the threat of SARS wanes, students in Hong Kong are acutely conscious of the attitude of the outside world.

Of particular concern are policies adopted by several prominent American universities that prohibit students from SARS-infected countries from enrolling in summer programs. The University of California, Berkeley, alone turned away nearly 600 Asian students.

For these young people, the line between precaution and discrimination seems all too thin.

"I think the policy concerned is a bit harsh," said senior Anna Yuen.

"The SARS is already under control in Hong Kong, and I think the universities should reconsider offering places to Hong Kong students. I agree that some precautions must be taken, like quarantining students for 10 days before going to school, but definitely not refusing to admit any students from Hong Kong."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, approximately 7,000 students from Hong Kong currently attend American universities. Just how many of those students were affected by tightened admissions is still unclear.

"Actually many people now have already taken off their masks because the situation in Hong Kong has now become more stable. Hong Kong people have actually gained confidence about the situation. I feel very safe here," said senior Ivy Wong.

For now, it is hard for these students to accept that even though SARS seemingly poses no immediate threat, their opportunities to attend college abroad might be curtailed.

Freshman Angela Lee added: "I would like all Americans to know that the situation in Hong Kong is now improving, and I think that SARS is under control."