There was a single new case of SARS reported in the last 24 hours, marking the 32nd day in a row that the number of new cases remains in single digits.

A total of 1,339 patients have recovered and been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, 13 were sent home today.

The new case is that of a Northern District Hospital healthcare worker who is believed to have contracted the virus from infected relatives.

There were no new fatalities, leaving the total number of SARS-related deaths at 283.

Most of the 77 patients currently in hospital are responding positively to the new treatment protocol. Of them, 24 are receiving treatment in intensive-care units.

Another 49 patients are recovering in convalescence, in preparation for discharge. There are seven suspected cases.

There are 1,249 people from 490 families under home-confinement orders.

Hospital Authority Senior Executive Manager Dr Liu Shao-Haei said patients who have been in contact with the infected healthcare worker are under close surveillance and none are showing symptoms.

Dr Liu added that the authority is now studying the feasibility of a hospital for epidemics as part of a long-term plan.

Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan said the breakout has now stabilised, however, many new cases are being caused by patients who have inconspicuous symptoms.

"The epidemic is at a stable stage and for many days cases have been in single digits. But some patients do not have conspicuous symptoms. Healthcare workers have done their best to provide the best treatment. Even when doctors have done all they can they may not be able to find hidden carriers !V not all patients have conspicuous symptoms."

She said doctors will continue to try their best to find hidden carriers.