BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The Ministry of Health Saturday reported no new severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases nor new deaths from the disease on the Chinese mainland for the 24 hours from 10:00 a.m. August 15 to 10:00 a.m. August 16.

　　During the 24 hours, the mainland also reported no new suspected SARS cases and the last two SARS patients were discharged from the Beijng-based Ditan Hospital Saturday morning.

　　According to the ministry, 24 Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of China have been hit by the SARS epidemic since early this year.

　　As of 10 a.m. August 16, a total of 5,327 SARS cases were reported on the Chinese mainland, 4,959 patients were cured and discharged from hospital. Death toll from the disease stood at 349.

　　A spokesman for the ministry said that given that there is no more SARS cases on the Chinese mainland, the health ministry would suspend its daily report on SARS situation.

　　The spokesman said the stop of daily report did not mean the end of anti-SARS drive. He called on all medical workers to remain vigilant and to get prepared to meet challenges brought about by possible return of the disease. Enditem