A 15-member team of Government public health officers has left for Sichuan to help implement infection-control measures in earthquake-devastated areas and advise on water sanitation.

The team of three Department of Health doctors, 10 Food & Environmental Hygiene Department health inspectors, foreman and workman grade officers and two Water Supplies Department chemists left today.

Meanwhile, all government staff, except for security and emergency services, observed three minutes of silence at 2.28pm today to mourn the earthquake's victims.

One heart: Public health officers leave for Sichuan to help with relief efforts, while other Government staff observe three minutes of silence.

Government celebratory activities have been deferred until after the three-day mourning period.

The Secretary for Education appealed to schools, kindergartens and childcare centres to hoist the national flag at half mast until May 21.

Up to 5pm today, the Immigration Department had received 126 calls for assistance and 436 requests for help in contacting friends and relatives in Sichuan. Of the 101 Hong Kong people who lost contact with their families, 95 have been found.

The department and the Hong Kong Government office in Beijing will maintain close ties with Mainland authorities to follow up on the remaining six cases and render all practical assistance to Hong Kong people in need. Those who require help can call (852) 1868.