Representatives from Hong Kong Medical Association, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Doctors Union and 12 private hospitals met and agreed Saturday to continue their close collaboration in the prevention and early diagnosis of SARS.

They will maintain tight vigilance and surveillance against the disease.

Acting Deputy Director of Health Regina Ching met representatives of those medical groups in Hong Kong Saturday and briefed them on the developments concerning the suspected SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) case in Guangzhou, capital of China's Guangdong province.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said the department continued to maintain close contact with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on the suspected SARS case.

Noting that precautionary measures had been stepped up at all the immigration control points, the spokesman said seven had been found to have a fever and 44 were reported to be unwell Friday.

Among these people, three were referred to hospitals for further examination.

"But none of them was suspected of having contracted SARS, and only one of them was admitted for treatment," the spokesman said.

The Department of Health's SARS hotline 187 2222 has received 86 inquiries from December 27 to 12:00 Saturday. The hotline is operated during office hours.

"For safety's sake, recent travelers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," the spokesman said.

The Department of Health has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.

"We have also sent letters to all Chinese medicine practitioners to advise them to be vigilant.

"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June,members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.

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