As at 1pm today, three new patients in public hospitals were confirmed to have SARS, marking the 19th straight day that the number of new cases has remained in single digits.

A total of 1,247 patients - more than 72% of all confirmed cases - have recovered and been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, 10 were sent home today.

Most of the 217 patients currently in hospital are responding positively to the new treatment protocol. Of them, 42, are receiving treatment in intensive-care units.

Another 64 patients are recovering in convalescence, in preparation for discharge.

Three elderly women died. They ranged in age from 70 to 85, and all had a history of chronic illness.

This brings to 258 the number of SARS-related deaths.

There are 13 suspected cases, and 1,214 people from 474 families under home-confinement orders. There was no need to issue any warning letters.

Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan thanked these individuals for their cooperation. However, she urged them to pay attention to personal hygiene and to handle rubbish properly. "You have to take care of the safety and feelings of your neighbours," she said.

At the daily press briefing, Dr Chan also expressed her gratitude to the local standing committee of the National People's Congress who recently sent 100 boxes of testing agents for Hong Kong's fight against SARS.

New Lek Yuen Estate case prompts further investigation 

The interdepartmental working group has been sent to Lek Yuen Estate to conduct further investigations after another household at Wing Shui House contracted SARS.

Previously, four households in the housing block were infected - including a four-month-old girl whose family members had the disease. Tests and environmental swabs taken on May 7 and May 13 were found to be normal.

The Department of Health is meeting with District Council members, Legislative Council members and management representatives from the estate to garner their advice. Meanwhile, more tests are being carried out to learn the possible mode of transmission.

Harbour Plaza Hotel not likely source of infection

Health officials have been tracing guests who stayed at the Harbour Plaza Hotel at the same time as a Hong Kong man who has contracted SARS. They have contacted all but four local people and one overseas guest who they are still trying to reach.

So far, none of the 68 guests and staff members they have spoken to have displayed any symptoms of the illness.

"We are of the view that the hotel was not the source," Dr Chan said. She added that they are reviewing whether he caught SARS from another patient when he was in hospital ahead of his hotel stay.

20 Caritas Medical Centre nurses move to holiday camp

A group of 20 nurses who shared hospital quarters with a nurse who has been confirmed to have SARS have asked to be moved to a holiday camp for the duration of their isolation period.

The Government has complied with this request. The ward in which they worked has been closed for cleaning and disinfecting.