The atypical pneumonia outbreak has made Hong Kong people more united than ever, with 65% saying that our solidarity is higher than before the virus arose.

They also thought that the level of unity among family members, peers, colleagues and the community had enhanced, while co-operation among neighbours was relatively weak.

Concerted efforts: A Hong Kong University's survey reveals that the community has strengthened solidarity, increased acceptance of the Government's Home Quarantine Scheme, and taken preventive measures to halt the spread of atypical pneumonia.

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine today released findings of the second survey on public perception of atypical pneumonia and preventive measures conducted between April 16 and 23.

Of the 797 respondents, 92% were willing to be quarantined for 10 days if they had had close contact with infected patients. The corresponding proportion dropped to 79% if they were non-close contacts.

Both figures were remarkably higher than those of 73% and 47% in the first survey conducted between March 29 and April 6.

In terms of knowledge about atypical pneumonia, 89% and 82% believed that the virus was transmitted via droplets and contacts respectively, which were higher than those of the last study (82% and 64%).

On precautionary measures taken, 92% indicated that they wore face masks while 89% and 80% adopted measures at home and at workplaces respectively. The figures for the last study were 78%, 71% and 69%.

Other measures such as washing hands with soap after coughing and sneezing, using serving utensils during meals, were also taken.

Commenting on the findings, the university's Professor Antony Johnson Hedley said the community has improved knowledge of the disease, and is willing to take precautions to halt the spread of the virus.

"The surveys show that the Government's communication of information has been effective in many areas," he said.

"Hong Kong is on a steep learning curve in a most unusual disease outbreak. Everyone can make a greater contribution to this and all preventive measures must be continued."

The anxiety level of respondents went up slightly from 44.9% in the first survey to 47.8%.

Professor Hedley said the increase is normal as the epidemic still exists in the community, adding that an appropriate level of anxiety will be conducive in keeping people alert and adopting preventive measures.

While the number of newly confirmed cases went down in the past few days, he urged the public to take all necessary precautions to curb the virus' spread.