Airport nurses stood down

Nurses are being withdrawn from New Zealand's international airports as the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) recedes.

Ministry of Health chief nursing adviser Dr Frances Hughes said the presence of registered nurses at airports had been invaluable in helping to keep Sars out of New Zealand.

"As things stand globally, the risk of contracting Sars is now very low," he said.

"The World Health Organisation advises that all known chains of person-to-person transmission of Sars virus have now been broken, and we no longer advise against travel to any countries."

Dr Hughes said those countries most affected by Sars were continuing with their departure screening measures, so the risk of someone with Sars coming into New Zealand was minimal.

Nurses were first stationed at major airports in April to provide advice and support. The amended New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card, which includes a health declaration with Sars information and Sars-related questions, will be used until December or January.

Dr Hughes said the ministry was developing a checklist and protocols to ensure registered nurses could be reinstated at international airports within 48 hours if Sars re-emerged.

- NZPA