Sydney tests show Sars unlikely

Two flight attendants in hospital in Sydney with suspected Sars were unlikely to have the virus, health authorities said yesterday.

The two women, both Chinese nationals who arrived in Australia from China on Wednesday, remained in isolation at St Vincent's Hospital after showing symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

But doctors yesterday said tests had shown almost certainly that the women did not have the virus.

Further test results in the next few days would verify the women's conditions more fully.