Health Secretary Dr E.K Yeoh gives the latest update on the virus believed to be the cause of the outbreak of respiratory infection

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr E.K Yeoh said the virus was identified as a member of the paramyxoviridae family but cautioned that it has still to be verified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"Germany and Taiwan have also identified the same strain but a lot of work still needs to be carried out before we can confirm it is the virus which causes this respiratory infection," said Dr Yeoh.

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Earlier today, WHO head of communicable diseases Dr David Heymann on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) said that WHO has recommended to all airlines that "there is no current justification for any restriction in travel or travel."

"This is a disease which is passed through close contact with an infected person. It is not a disease, as far as we understand, which you can get by just walking through a community. Therefore, there should be no travel restrictions," said Dr Heymann.

Dr Heymann added that Hong Kong has been a valuable partner to the WHO since the beginning of this outbreak in sharing its information. "The disease is being tackled very well in Hong Kong and in most places. That is why we can make this kind of sound recommendation."

Two Consul-generals based in Hong Kong said they felt reassured about the handling of the situation by the Government. US Consul General James Keith said he was very concerned and was monitoring the situation closely. "We appreciate the frontline work being done by the health professionals in Hong Kong. We hope they will continue to work closely with the Hong Kong Government," he said.

New Zealand Consul General Frank Wilson, also on the RTHK morning programme, said he was reassured by measures "to identify and treat the disease." His message to New Zealand nationals planning a trip to Hong Kong is "to consider whether trips are necessary, but there is no advice not to come to Hong Kong. Individuals have to make their own decisions."