Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said on Monday that the city is well prepared to deal with swine flu cases with its top medical facilities and preventive measures.

Speaking at a media session at the Hong Kong International Airport, Tsang said as Mexico, where there is a large outbreak of swine flu, is a popular tourist destination which sees visitors from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, it is quite possible the virus could be carried into Hong Kong.

Tsang said that the government is of high vigilance and has stepped up to measures to deal with the issue and will provide updates on the latest swine flu situation to the public daily.

The government upgraded the alert level to "serious" on April 26 and demanded possible swine flu cases to be reported to authorities.

The swine flu, which is believed to be a new strain, has killed more than 80 people and sickened thousands across Mexico. Cases were also found in Canada and the US.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2009)