The State Council published a new regulation on health disasters Monday, a move that is expected to give anti-SARS efforts a shot in the arm and shore up international confidence in the country's ability to resolve the crisis.

The new rule, which is effective immediately, prescribes punishments, including demotion, removal from office and criminal penalties, for government officials who are found to have been negligent in handling a health crisis or who have been involved in a cover-up.

The rule requires governments of all levels to report any epidemic, food poisoning, industrial poisoning or other health disasters to higher authorities within one or two hours of receiving a report.

Compared with the law on epidemics promulgated in 1989, the new rule is more specific in epidemic reporting and is expected to make China's epidemic handling more transparent.

The Central Government would also set up a hotline for individuals and organizations to report a health disaster, the rule says. Those who report such disasters or hidden dangers are eligible for an award.

The rule authorizes the health ministry to publish information about a health crisis.

Disaster command centers will have the power to impose restrictions on access to water resources and foods, in addition to other necessary quarantine measures.

The rule also specifies the responsibilities of health departments in handling a health crisis.

Editor: Wings