In light of a suspected SARS case in Guangdong, the Department of Health has stepped up precautionary measures at the airport and border checkpoints.

Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan said the department was informed by the Guangdong Health Bureau of the case last night.

The 32-year-old patient, a television station worker, lives in Panyu. He has not visited Hong Kong recently and is now isolated in a hospital.

The department has established communication channels and dialogue with Guangdong authorities and will contact them daily for updates, Dr Lam said.

According to Dr Lam, the department will maintain mandatory health declarations and temperature screening checks for passengers arriving from Guangdong.

Additional medical staff will be deployed to distribute health alert cards to flight passengers arriving from Guangzhou.

A hotline (187 2222), operating from 9am to 9pm, will take calls from people returning from Guangzhou and other members of the public.

"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, people are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," Dr Lam said.

Meanwhile, the Hospital Authority has also activated its yellow alarm and its Central Committee on Infectious Diseases will hold a meeting today to assess the situation and review the safety measures in hospitals.

People who need to go to hospitals are urged to wear masks for safety reasons.