Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa joined crowds of residents shopping and having afternoon tea at Queensway this afternoon, a day after the World Health Organisation lifted the travel advisory against Hong Kong.

He bought sports shoes, biscuits, drinks and toys during a walkabout at Queensway Plaza and Pacific Place. Then he invited the media to tea at a restaurant.

Hong Kong had no new SARS cases today, Mr Tung said, adding that this was only the first step. We must remain vigilant, he stressed.

"Our target is zero cases everyday - that's when Hong Kong will become a safe and healthy city."

Time to shop: The Chief Executive shakes hands with shoppers at Pacific Place, chooses biscuits at a supermarket and invites the media to tea.

He said he was not prepared to predict when that day might come.

"If we all do our part, the Government and the members of the community, that day will come soon."

Asked whether he was happy, Mr Tung replied that he was delighted to see so many people shopping. He then challenged the media to do so themselves.

"To revive the Hong Kong economy after this battle with SARS, the most important thing is that Hong Kong people spend in Hong Kong."