Hong Kong

• Hong Kong has been free from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) since 2 June 2003 and is a safe place to visit
  

Elsewhere

• Since September 2003, a total of five confirmed SARS cases have been reported outside Hong Kong: one in Singapore, one in Taiwan and three in Guangdong. The patients in Singapore and Taiwan were believed to have contracted the disease from laboratories. The source of the Guangdong cases is still under investigation.
  

Measures

• Hong Kong remains vigilant and prepared. The Government has enhanced SARS preventive actions. The current response level is Alert Level (a).
  
• Hong Kong maintains close communication with Guangdong health authorities for updated developments.
  
• Mandatory health declarations are being maintained at border points, and temperature-screening checks are mandatory for passengers arriving from Guangdong.
  
• Since 6 January 2004, Hong Kong has put in place an enhanced surveillance system for reporting of pneumonia patients with a history of travel to Guangdong within 10 days of symptom onset. So far, none of these cases has tested positive for SARS.
  
• The public is reminded to remain vigilant and practise good personal and environmental hygiene.
  

Note: This Situation Report has been uploaded to the Department of Health’s website at http://www.dh.gov.hk. Please visit the website for future updated Reports.