Hong Kong's anexity over the atypical pneumonia outbreak has recently been alleviated, Central Policy Unit head Professor Lau Siu-kai said, adding that the Government can make use of the situation to enhance social cohesion.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Lau said a recent Government survey showed that people's anexity over pneumonia has been alleviated.

He said the Government has taken a series of actions to tackle the issue, such as setting up a supervisory group chaired by the Chief Executive, a crisis management task force headed by the Chief Secretary for Administration and another task force led by the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food.

The measures taken has helped alleviate peoples' panic, Mr Lau said.

He believes that the Government can make use of the incident to enhance social cohesion in Hong Kong and turn the crisis into an opportunity.

With the co-operation of the whole community, the Government will be able to win the battle, Mr Lau said, which will help boost people's and international societies' confidence in Hong Kong.

Speaking on the same programme, the Better Hong Kong Foundation's George Yuen said the foundation will meet with representatives of international business organisations next week to explain Hong Kong's latest situation.

The foundation will also arrange overseas journalists to visit Hong Kong, Mr Yuen added.