The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa visited a residential area Thursday to examine the measures containing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Tung was briefed by officials from health, food, environment and construction departments on the latest situation of infections affecting residents as well as the preventive measures.

Tung stressed that "we must do our level best and not allow another big outbreak."

A series of reinforced measures have been taken in Hong Kong to prevent the virus. The government appealed to the whole society to join hands in a fight against the disease. According to Financial Secretary Antony Leung, economic relief measures are under consideration and will be launched soon.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2003)