For all those who contracted SARS, those forced into quarantine and their families and friends, as well as the patients and healthcare workers who experienced challenges first hand, the SARS outbreak represented a frightening and immensely stressful period. For Ontario, SARS was a public health emergency without precedent. Those within the healthcare system responded heroically, often jeopardizing their personal safety to care for others. Time and time again, frontline healthcare providers demonstrated their extraordinary commitment to providing high-quality care to patients, families and colleagues.

While recognizing the tremendous efforts made by all the people involved, it is clear that SARS exposed a general lack of preparedness for managing health emergencies and presents an open door for positive change. The Panel trusts that this Report, together with our final report, will contain valuable insights that may be of use both to Ontarians and to those beyond our province.

For The Public's Health : Initial Report of the Ontario Expert Panel on SARS and Infectious Disease Control Executive Summary and Recommendations 43 pages / 298 K / PDF format

FULL REPORT Cover Page 1 page / 550 K / PDF format Chapter One :  Public Health Models 34 pages / 464 K / PDF format Chapter Two :  Infection Control 24 pages / 217 K / PDF format Chapter Three :  Emergency Preparedness 30 pages / 464 K / PDF format Chapter Four :  Communications 21 pages / 195 K / PDF format Chapter Five :  Surveillance 17 pages / 163 K / PDF format Chapter Six :  Human Health Resources 19 pages / 176 K / PDF format Conclusion 5 pages / 75 K / PDF format

APPENDICES Appendices 18 pages / 150 K / PDF format

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December 2003