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I don't think it was designed to get out of the lab - call it a 'beta' I guess. Chances are that a lab worker was somehow exposed and took it home.

There are a number of things I have yet to hear about SARS that I think are important for all of us to know so we can protect ourselves:

1. The ACTUAL transmissibility. i.e.: When you have X number of people in an enclosed area with the virus, what percent of them will come down with SARS? So far, the official statements are all over the place on this.

2. What actually KILLS the virus for disinfection of surfaces? Gamma radiation? UV light? I've read that chlorine works, but that kills us as well in many forms. Ozone?

3. Official reports state that the virus can survive on smooth surfaces for over 24 hours. How about on porous surfaces? Like paper money? What about inside vacuum packaged or other packaged goods? Basically, what about all of the crap that comes here from China? Longshoremen here in Tacoma have already refused to unload a couple of arrivals from Hong Kong and China - thankfully.

4. What's it going to take to get the borders sealed against this? (Yes, I'm dreaming, I know.....) If not sealed, then when is the government going to set up quarantined areas for all who are entering the country from effected areas? 10 days - with or without symptoms if you arrive here from China, Hong Kong, Toronto, etc. In the case of products instead of humans, they should be required to be fully irradiated or otherwise treated upon entry, plus have to sit for the 10 days. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!! If the SOBs are going to make me wait three days to buy a gun, then why not make someone who is positively going to kill with a virus wait for 10 days?

5. If this starts getting out of hand here in the US, what can each of us do to avoid it?

Any ideas out there?