Huang Huahua, governor of Guangdong, told Xinhua that the province will make more strenuous efforts to educate the public onprevention from the disease.

The WHO medical team, which arrived on April 3, has investigated the prevention and treatment of the disease in Guangdong and offered some useful advice on action taken in other countries and regions, Huang said.

The WHO and Chinese experts have exchanged ideas on how to fight the disease, he added.

Local doctors, together with the expert team sent by the central government, have developed new treatments for the epidemic,Huang said.

The province has reported fewer new cases of atypical pneumonia, and medical workers are well-protected, he added.

So far 993 atypical pneumonia patients have recovered in Guangdong, accounting for 82.3 percent of the total.

The government suggests regular exercise in order to maintain good health, Huang said.

More efforts are being made in schools and kindergartens to create a clean and safe environment for children, while teachers are training to deal with emergencies in the event that students are infected, he added.

Meanwhile, the 93rd China Export Commodities Fair will open in Guangzhou on April 15.

The government has taken strict precautionary measures to guarantee the safety and health of people attending the fair, Huang said.

Hotels, exhibition centers and vehicles will be totally disinfected, he added.

"It is safe to come to Guangdong, whether for business or sightseeing," Huang said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2003)