Two new SARS cases have been reported, marking the 24th straight day the number of new cases has remained in single digits. SARS also claimed two more lives, one a United Christian healthcare worker.

A total of 1,285 patients - more than 74% of all confirmed cases - have recovered and been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, nine were sent home in the last day.

Most of the 105 patients currently in hospital under active care are responding positively to the new treatment protocol. Of them, 32 are receiving treatment in intensive-care units.

Another 69 patients are recovering in convalescence, in preparation for discharge.

Two patients died, including 47-year-old Lau Kam-yung, a healthcare assistant in a medical ward who contracted SARS on April 2 while taking care of patients. An 80-year-old man with underlying diseases also passed away, at Princess Margaret Hospital.

These bring to 269 the number of SARS-related deaths.

There are 12 suspected cases, including three new ones.

Some 480 families, 1,227 people, were now in the home confinement programme.

Hospital Authority Senior Executive Manager Dr Liu Shao-haei said staff were "heart broken" by Ms Lau's death, saying she was dedicated to her work and commanded high respect from her colleagues. He offered his condolences to her family.

Dr Liu said she contracted the disease while working in the general ward.

"In March there was the Amoy Gardens outbreak and some patients coming in did not show initial symptoms. Perhaps she got [infected from this]," he said.

Virus fragments found at Wing Shui House

Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan said cleaning crews and SARS experts have been sent back to Wing Shui House in Lek Yuen Estate after environmental swabs taken on May 22 found fragments of genetic material of the virus on the floor and windowsill of two flats.

"I have asked the team to go down again and to make sure cleansing and disinfection is thoroughly done, and remind residents to pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene," Dr Chan said, saying cleansing was last done after new SARS cases emerged in the building on May 22.

Since then, medical posts have been set up in the building's foyer to test the temperature of people coming in and out. Medical staff are also visiting some people for personalised checks.

One female resident found to have a mild fever was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Doctors later said she did not have SARS.

"Regular body checks are of great assistance as we can find problems and send them to hospital ASAP," Dr Chan said.

Rounding up, Dr Chan urged people not to let down their guard.

"Despite the steadying trend of SARS in Hong Kong, the virus is rather unstable so don't be lax in your personal hygiene. Don't become careless or complacent. We are at a crunch time and we cannot allow the virus any opportunity to break out again in the community."