A clear organizational structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities and operational authority is necessary for an effective response to SARS.
Strong leadership is essential to coordinate a SARS response, allow efficient allocation of resources, and disseminate consistent information.
An incident command structure supported by the adequate information systems allows for rapid and efficient implementation of a SARS response.
A suitable legislative framework is necessary to impose a variety of emergency public health and containment measures, at both the individual and community levels.