Press Release - March 25, 2003

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Tung Chee Hwa, held a meeting this (March 25) evening with Principal Officials, including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, and the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, to thoroughly review and assess the spread of atypical pneumonia. They also looked at the progress of treatment of patients and measures to deal with the disease.

Mr Tung emphasised that he was concerned about the impact of the disease on the community, adding that it has been the Government's top priority to tackle the illness since its outbreak.

In view of the increase in the number of atypical pneumonia cases to nearly 300, Mr Tung convened the meeting to enhance coordination among Government departments and medical authorities with a view to containing the spread of the virus effectively and allaying the worry of residents.

During the two-hour meeting, he repeated the pledge to deploy all necessary resources to prevent and treat the disease. He decided to seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the HKSAR Legislative Council for an initial sum of HK$200 million to strengthen infection control and treatment as well as public health education.

The meeting also thoroughly reviewed whether it was necessary to close schools, and the decision of the HKSAR Education and Manpower Bureau was supported. Mr Tung directed that there was a need to assess the circumstances on a daily basis.

The HKSAR Chief Executive advised residents not to go to work or school in the unfortunate event that one of their family members has contracted the disease.

Mr Tung and his senior colleagues took a close look at preventive measures applying to various places, including housing estates, public places and public transport vehicles.

He directed all relevant authorities to review present measures to better guard against the spread of the disease, as well as contingency measures.

He pointed out that maintaining personal hygiene was the most effective way to guard against atypical pneumonia.

"We need every member of our community to join hands with the Government to win the battle against atypical pneumonia. Our concerted efforts will surely pay off," he said.

The HKSAR Chief Executive paid tribute again to Hong Kong�s medical and nursing staff for their selfless devotion to public service.

For updated information and latest news on respiratory tract infections, please visit the special home page on the subject at www.info.gov.hk/info/infection-e.htm, and the HKSAR Department of Health website at www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm as well as the e-bulletin at www.news.gov.hk/en/index.shtml.