Measures to prevent the 'import' and 'export' of SARS into and out of Hong Kong have been effective, the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food says.

Speaking at the China-ASEAN Entry-Exit Quarantine Management Meeting on SARS in Beijing today, Carrie Yau shared with attendees the Government's experience in fighting SARS.

"We set up medical posts at the airport, and the sea and land boundary control points to watch for travellers displaying symptoms. All incoming travellers have been required to complete a health declaration."

Between March 29 and May 29, more than 1,590 travellers reported on their declarations that they were sick. Of these, 57 were sent to hospitals, and 16 were admitted as suspected SARS cases. Two of them were confirmed to have SARS.

"To the casual observer, two cases out of millions of travellers may not seem tremendously significant. But as we all know, when it comes to a highly infectious disease like SARS, two cases would already be too many," Mrs Yau said.

Over 700,000 passengers and crew have been checked at the airport. Five were referred to hospital and two were admitted. No air passengers have been confirmed with SARS since the checks were launched.

Overall, as of May 29, over six million passengers had had their temperatures taken at seaports and land boundary checkpoints; 73 were referred to hospital; 15 were admitted, and five were still under observation.

"The result, I wish to highlight, is that Hong Kong has kept the SARS virus from getting in or out, even in this age of massive movements of people."

Stressing the importance of vigilance, Mrs Yau said the Government is now acquiring more new infra-red scans and the traveller temperature checks will remain in place at border control points for at least another year.

At today's meeting, she also outlined other Government's measures to bring the outbreak of SARS under control.

They include an effective and legally-empowered surveillance system for early detection, isolation and treatment of SARS patients, contact tracing, border control measures, stringent infection control measures at health care setting and public health education.

Mrs Yau said the Government has learned a lot from the virus fight, the three main issues being:

* Openness and transparency, and providing people with the facts they need;

* Keeping the disease in perspective, taking extra precautions but avoiding knee-jerk responses; and,

* Considering strategy-changes which may be necessary.

She also outlined the Government's next steps in the virus fight, including the launch of Team Clean to enhance the city's hygiene, a taskforce to help revitalise Hong Kong's economy, and an expert committee to review the Government's work in the virus fight.

Although SARS has had a devastating impact on some families and businesses, Hong Kong's infrastructure and community have withstood the crisis, she added.

Mrs Yau also thanked the Central Government for the timely provision of protective gear and border screening equipment.

Noting that SARS is an international issue, Mrs Yau said cross-border co-operation is needed to overcome this virus.

"This crisis has been damaging and frightening. But it has also reminded us of the virtues of being neighbourly, of taking responsibility, and of learning to live together in peace, harmony and good health."