Experts have confirmed that the outbreak of respiratory illness in a Canadian seniors' home is a common cold caused by a coronavirus - not SARS - the newly appointed Director of Health says.

Dr Lam Ping-yan said the department has not detected any outbreak of a similar nature in Hong Kong, adding that existing precautionary measures taken at the airport will not be stepped down.

Gov't to enhance its capability for epidemic control

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Dr Lam said the Government will enhance its capability for epidemic control. Apart from boosting local healthcare workers' training, overseas experts will be invited to Hong Kong to share their knowledge and experience.

The Government will co-operate with the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and overseas organisations in devising a contingency plan for handling any possible epidemic in future.

To prevent influenza outbreak, the department will extend its existing vaccination scheme. Apart from giving injections to the elderly living in seniors' residences, the department will also give injections to all healthcare workers and mentally-retarded children living in Government hostels in October and November.

Communication with Mainland counterparts enhanced

Turning to the upsurge of Mainland visitors, Dr Lam said the department has enhanced its communication with its cross-boundary counterpart. He believes that the upsurge will not create a great health problem to Hong Kong nor increase the possibility of spreading infectious illness.

In response to the findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry Report on the SARS outbreak, which highlighted an incident at the Baptist Hospital, Dr Lam said the department will study the findings carefully and take appropriate actions.

Direct communication with private hospitals exists

There has been direct communication between the department and private hospitals, Dr Lam said, adding that the department is willing to provide assistance to private hospitals.