Inuvik (May 02/03) - The World Health Organization lifted its travel advisory to Toronto Tuesday, following a week of bad press surrounding the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus that has killed 21 in Canada's largest city to date.

Dr. Gerry Uswak, chief executive officer at the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Authority, said at the hospital and the community health centres they are following procedures as set out by Health Canada.

"There are no cases our way and we keep up with the updates from Yellowknife," Uswak said. "We're prepared to deal with any eventuality."

They have been keeping advised of any changes or precautions through teleconferences and email updates.

"They explain the situation throughout the world and Canada and what it means to us here in the Northwest Territories," Uswak said.

"We're being vigilant and prepared for what goes on."

Chief medical officer Andre Corriveau said his office has been busy fielding calls about people concerned about visiting Toronto and he advises basic hygienic practices such as hand washing.

"Right now we support Health Canada's position that things are being managed appropriately in Toronto," Corriveau said.

"The risk is so low that it's negligible."

"We feel they have a good handle on things."

He said there have been some new cases reported in Toronto, but they have been quarantined. "They are not spreading it further. We feel at this point, that there is no indication that they've lost control."

He said there are four million people in the greater Toronto area and the virus has been contracted by a small number of people in a limited circle.