City gets ready to handle health crises during Games

Beijing will take every possible step to prevent an epidemic or health scare during the 2008 Olympic Games and to ensure injured and sick athletes get immediate and the best medical treatment, city health authorities said yesterday.

"Health security preparations for the 2008 Olympics are on in full swing," Beijing Municipal Health Bureau's deputy chief Deng Xiaohong told a press conference.

The bureau will have strict control measures in place to ensure that imported food products are safe and drinking water free of contamination at the Olympic village, competition venues, public media and conference centers and hotels.