WOCCU: Aussie Meeting Is Unaffected By SARS Concerns

The World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) said it has received only a few inquiries and no cancellations for its 2003 International Credit Union Forum in Brisbane, Australia as the result of fears related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which has been most prevalent in Asia. The meeting is scheduled for mid-June.

WOCCU spokesperson Kim Johnston said WOCCU has received few calls from attendees expressing any concern, and that WOCCU has been working to keep everyone up to date with the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO). It is urging anyone with concerns to visit the WHO website at www.who.int/csr/sars/travel/en/, the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel_advice.htm, and the Australian Department of Health and Aging at http://www.health.gov.au/sars.htm.

"The WOCCU board of directors is strongly committed to hosting Forum 2003," said WOCCU Chairman Gerry Foley.

Johnston said up to 1,500 people are expected for the conference.