Secretary for Education & Manpower Prof Arthur Li welcomes the University of California at Berkeley's decision to lift the restriction on enrolment for some of its summer-session classes for students from severe acute respiratory syndrome-affected areas, including Hong Kong.

"We welcome the latest decision by UC Berkeley. We are glad that through our communication, involving our Economic & Trade Offices in Washington and San Francisco, with the relevant authorities of the United States and the University administration itself, the University has now modified its policy," said Professor Li.

While his bureau is aware that the University had been concerned about having students from SARS-affected areas developing SARS symptoms while on campus and its ability to cope, it is really totally unnecessary and inappropriate to bar students from Hong Kong, he said.

"We in Hong Kong will continue with our combat against the SARS epidemic, including performing health checks at our borders. We understand that the World Health Organisation is satisfied that there has been no further 'export' of cases to other countries from Hong Kong. We will remain vigilant and are grateful to the international community for their support and appreciation of the latest situation in Hong Kong."

He added that he hopes that any outstanding restrictions that UC Berkeley is reviewing will be removed as soon as possible.