Hong Kong has entered a new stage in its fight against SARS, the Director of Health says, describing it as "cautious and optimistic". But Dr Margaret Chan reminded people that we must continue to adopt stringent public-hygiene measures.

There were four new cases of SARS reported in the last day, marking the 27th day in a row that the number of new cases remains in single digits.

Dr Chan told the daily press briefing that the new cases  are women, aged 81 to 91, who are believed to have come into contact with SARS patients when they were in hospital.

A total of 1,304 patients - more than 75% of all confirmed cases - have recovered and been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, two were sent home today.

Most of the 93 patients currently in hospital under active care are responding positively to the new treatment protocol. Of them, 31 are receiving treatment in intensive-care units.

Another 65 patients are recovering in convalescence, in preparation for discharge.

One woman died. She was 78 years old and had a history of underlying illness. Her death brings to 274 the number of SARS-related deaths.

There are 12 suspected cases, including four new ones.

There are 1,234 people from 484 families under home-confinement orders. Dr Chan thanked them for their cooperation, noting no warning letters have been sent.

Boundary control measures to be stepped up

Measures at the boundary control points are working. Five people who failed to pass the initial temperature screening were found to be fine in follow-up examinations and were allowed to continue on their journeys.

Dr Chan noted that in the coming few weeks, more people will be coming to Hong Kong now that the Mainland has agreed to relax travel restrictions.

To prepare for the expected surge, there are now 192 infrared scanners at Hong Kong entry points, and 70 more to be installed in the coming days. Another 70 of the devices are on order and expected to be delivered soon.

This will help ensure that Hong Kong does not import - or export - any SARS cases, she said.

She added that Hong Kong officials were in discussions with their Mainland counterparts concerning Mainland travellers who arrive at Hong Kong immigration counters showing signs of SARS.

Currently, the practice is to send them to a Hong Kong hospital for observation, but officials here would rather send them back to the Mainland to uphold the World Health Organisation's directive not to import or export SARS cases.

Tour industry briefings aim to promote "healthy tourism"

The Department of Health is also working with relevant industries to adopt additional precautionary measures, including guidelines and training for tour guides and tour operators.

"We want to ensure that, the minute you cross the border, the minute you step on the tour bus to the hotel, to various sites, you are being taken care of by the industries," she said, adding the aim is to promote "healthy tourism".

It is important for the economy - and for safeguarding confidence so people will come back to Hong Kong, she said.