Looking forward: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa outlines his next step in the SARS fight.

An organisation similiar to the United States' Centres for Disease Control is being considered for Hong Kong.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said today the Government is considering the move as there is a possibility that other infectious diseases might affect Hong Kong in future.

The Government has begun a study on establishing a CDC-type organisation to prevent infectious disease.

"The Hong Kong Jockey Club charity foundation has in principle pledged $500 million to support the Government's effort to establish a CDC-type organisation and to support medical research, training of professional staff and civic education," Mr Tung said.

The Government will ask the Legislative Council for $500 million to establish a foundation to encourage our universities to enhance their studies on SARS and other infectious diseases.

Mr Tung also outlined the Government's next steps in its SARS fight.

Taskforce set up to keep HK clean

Chief Secretary Donald Tsang will lead a cross-bureau, interdepartmental taskforce to develop short- and long-term measures to enhance hygiene and cleanliness.

The taskforce will study how to improve town planning, building design, maintenance and management.

Another taskforce headed by Financial Secretary Antony Leung will make suggestions on revitalising Hong Kong's economy.

Gov't earmarks $1b for revitalising HK's economy

Mr Tung said the Government has earmarked $1 billion for revitalising Hong Kong's economy and it will ask LegCo for funds in the coming weeks.

"Our plan is that as soon as the World Health Organisation lifts the travel advisory, the whole of Hong Kong will be involved in a promotion exercise," Mr Tung said.

Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho has been assigned to study how to best use the power of the community to battle the disease.

Mr Tung said Hong Kong needs to work closely with Guangdong Province to win the battle against SARS, and he will meet its governor later this week to discuss how the two jurisdictions can work together to contain the disease.

Discussions with WHO to start soon

Mr Tung said the Government will discuss the travel warning against Hong Kong with the World Health Organisation in the coming week.

"Our hope is eventually to persuade WHO to lift the travel advisory against us," he said.