The expert group advising the Department of Health on SARS meets again tomorrow to consider lifting the ban on the worst-affected countries from participating in the Special Olympics.
The World Health Organi\ation (WHO) has lifted the advisory against travel to and from Hong Kong and China after both countries reported greatly reduced incidents of the pneumonia-like illness in recent weeks.
But Canada's chances of attending are in jeopardy after it reported three more deaths among 34 new suspect cases at the weekend. The WHO is not advising travel restrictions after the North American country also reported falling incidents in recent weeks.
The Philippines was taken from the Department of Health's list last week, leaving competitors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan still banned.
Since the weekend, there have been nine deaths from the illness in China, five in Hong Kong, and 12 in Taiwan, where the most rapid spread is reported.
In Ireland, a man is in isolation in Letterkenny General Hospital with a possible case of the virus. However, the Northwestern Health Board described the move as cautionary and believe it is highly unlikely the man has the disease.