Ready for action: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government will act swiftly in response to swine flu developments.

Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau health authorities are exchanging intelligence on the latest swine flu developments, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, stressing the city will act swiftly in response to the local situation.

Speaking after today's Executive Council meeting, Mr Tsang said the World Health Organisation decided early this morning to raise the pandemic alert level to four, indicating the risk of swine flu developing into a pandemic is growing.

"Hong Kong has already activated our serious level of response and put in place a full range of preventive measures according to the disease's development," Mr Tsang said, adding the Government is closely monitoring the situation.

The pandemic preparedness steering committee met again this morning to review the need for further measures.

Describing the epidemic as a huge global challenge, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong should be on full alert given its population density and the presence of large number of tourists which will lead to a comparatively higher risk.

The Government will enhance publicity and communication with the public, and will report flu developments on a daily basis.

Urging all Hong Kong people, families, schools and enterprises to pay special attention to personal and community hygiene, Mr Tsang said social co-operation is necessary to succeed in the battle against the epidemic.

Comprehensive preparation

Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow told reporters this afternoon he and other officials have discussed the different scenarios that may affect Hong Kong, and the Hospital Authority and Government departments are preparing contingency plans.

"We are making preparations for all the worst scenarios, although we hope they will not happen. We have a very comprehensive preparation for such a possibility," Dr Chow said.

He will meet with and mobilise the 18 District Councils to boost public education on the virus and heighten vigilance on personal hygiene.

Dr Chow said Hong Kong has sufficient resources and materials to fight the virus should it emerge in the city. The Government is working with the University of Hong Kong to shorten the testing methods for the virus.

A person tested yesterday for swine influenza has been confirmed to be free of the virus. Meanwhile, four more people have been taken to hospital for tests today.

Dr Chow advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico and to exercise hygienic vigilance in other infected places.