Preparation work for another possible SARS outbreak will be ready by the end of this month, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says.

Speaking on a television programme this evening, Dr Yeoh said the Government is much better prepared for another SARS outbreak, adding that all the facilities, training and alert systems have been put in place.

He said a contingency plan has been drawn up by the Government and will be tested next month.

The installation of 1,290 isolation beds is continuing and 70% of them will be available by the end of October. The first batch will be ready for use next week.

Dr Yeoh said the supply of all protective gear is adequate, except for the small-size N95 facemasks. Noting that the Hospital Authority has a one-month stock of the masks, Dr Yeoh said it will be better to have three-month stock. However, he stressed the current situation is acceptable.

On the establishment of a Hong Kong organisation similar to the US' Centres for Disease Control & Prevention, Dr Yeoh said the Department of Health is now re-organising some of its functions to put in place the infrastructure for the organisation. He hopes it can be set up by the end of this year.

Speaking on the communication with the Guangdong health authority, Dr Yeoh said both sides agree that there should be an ad-hoc notifying mechanism when there is an unusual pattern of outbreak and they are now working on the issue.

They have also set up a high-level direct communication mechanism in which the Deputy Director of Health can liaise direct with an equivalent health official in Guangdong Province in cases of emergency.

Speaking on the expected upsurge of Mainland tourists during the National Day holiday, Dr Yeoh said the precautionary measures at all boundary checkpoints and the airport will continue to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.