Officials have urged Switzerland to clarify the status of 300 Hong Kong exhibitors at the World Watch & Jewellery Show in Basel and Zurich.

The Government is disappointed with the Swiss Federal Council's decree that there will be no "employment or engagement" of people who have visited Hong Kong in the show, owing to the atypical pneumonia outbreak.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Henry Tang today asked the Swiss Consul General to clarify arrangements for the exhibitors who have already arrived in Switzerland to prepare for the show to be held April 3 to 10.

The Trade Development Council said it too was upset and surprised that the Swiss government issued the decree after the vast majority of Hong Kong exhibitors had already arrived in Switzerland or were in flight, and without prior consultation.

The council is seeking more information and legal advice on the full effect of the decree and how best to represent the interests of the 317 exhibitors in the Hong Kong pavilion, which is second only to the Swiss pavilion in size.

The council said it had all along taken the initiative to co-operate fully with the fair organisers and the Swiss government regarding their concerns about the virus and the need for all parties to minimise risk.

It said our exhibitors have taken all reasonable precautions recommended by the Government and the World Health Organisation, and have fully submitted to measures imposed on international travellers by health authorities and airlines.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip said the Government is assessing the impact of atypical pneumonia on Hong Kong's economy, including tourism.

"We are working together with the industry and there will be measures to win back the confidence of travellers in the future," he said.

The Labour Department has also issued guidelines to employers that paid sick leave should be given to:

* Employees who have contracted atypical pneumonia; and,

* Employees whose relatives or family members have contracted the disease and they are required to be quarantined.