Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging infectious disease that is a threat to people nationally. Preventive work in the community has become more important after outbreaks of cross-infection in hospitals. ?Isolation?(i.e. home quarantine) is an essential way to control SARS quickly, but it is also a big challenge to the community. If we cannot isolate SARS in an appropriate way and with appropriate attitudes, isolation will not block the spread of SARS completely, but will destroy trust, love and care between people. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of SARS in the community, and to propose two strategies of developing community-based SARS preventive networks, through ?empowering communities? and ?building health communities? The role and function of community health nurses should be revaluated in view of the impact of SARS.