Launched on May 21, the multi-lingual channel is backed by StarHub, MediaCorp and Singapore Press Holdings. It is expected to run for the next two to three months, and longer if Sars remains a problem, according to a StarHub spokesman.
With 206 cases and 28 fatalities, Singapore is the fourth most affected country in the world. However, the World Health Organisation is expected to declare the city Sars-free by the end of the month, but authorities have warned people not to let their guard down.
The channel will carry Sars-related programmes that have been aired on MediaCorp TV and SPH MediaWorks channels to give the public a chance to view them. There will also be Sars fast facts, forums and current affairs programmes, as well as speeches by the country's leaders. The channel will also provide updates on Sars in the region. Only the channel's sponsors, which include banking giant DBS and POSB and health and supermarket operations of the NTUC group, will feature on the channel. "It's a non profit-making effort," said StarHub's spokesman.