Athletes from countries hit hardest by the SARS virus have agreed to go into quarantine before travelling to Ireland for the Special Olympics in June, organisers said today.
Athletes from five countries - Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Canada and Taiwan - have agreed to go into voluntary quarantine before flying into Dublin.
Towns and villages across the country are preparing to accommodate the competitors in the run-up to the games which start on June 21st.
"We asked the countries would they be prepared to go into quarantine to remove any doubts whatsoever and the response has been very positive," said a spokesman for the games.
Clonmel town councillors have already said they do not want to host the team from Hong Kong over fears of the SARS virus spreading.