Last night councillors in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, decided not to accept athletes from Hong Kong, for the Special Olympics, whom they were due to host.
However, earlier yesterday the Chinese government said it was anxious that its athletes be allowed to travel to Ireland in June despite concerns about SARS.
The Chinese ambassador, Mr Sha Hailin, met the Minister for Health, Mr Martin and outlined measures his country could take to reassure Irish people the athletes would not bring SARS with them.
These included quarantining the athletes for up to 10 days before they travel; health screening in China; adequate medical and nursing supervision on their way and while here; and issues around full access to their medical records including X-rays. The athletes will be hosted in Bray, Co Wicklow.
Mr Martin said the measures would be considered by the Department of Health's SARS expert group, with WHO input. The group meets again today. The Department said also it will no longer release details of the race, gender, occupation or location of any future suspect SARS cases.
EU Health Ministers will meet next Tuesday to share information on SARS, and the WHO yesterday lifted its ban on travel to Toronto.
Meanwhile, IBEC, the employers' organisation, criticised the striking public health doctors for putting "self-interest ahead of national interest"