Hong Kong will downsize health-screening measures at land and sea immigration checkpoints from April 1, the Department of Health says, after careful assessment of the SARS threat.

Temperature screening will be phased out at these checkpoints, however, it will continue at the airport due to recent outbreaks of bird flu and meningococcal infections in some countries.

Health posts will remain at each land and sea control point to help travellers and distribute health education leaflets. Hong Kong has been free from SARS since June 2003, and there have been no reports of the virus in neighbouring areas for over a year.

The department will continue to monitor closely any re-emergence of SARS in neighbouring areas and other countries. The Auxiliary Medical Service will be ready to resume body temperature screening when necessary.