Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said on Tuesday that the government will act swiftly in response to swine flu developments.

Speaking at a press briefing, Tsang said that the World Health Organization decided to raise the pandemic alert level to four, indicating the risk of swine flu developing into a pandemic is growing.

"Hong Kong has already activated our serious level of response and put in place a full range of preventive measures according to the disease's development," Tsang said, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will act swiftly in response to the local situation.

The government will enhance publicity and communication with the public, and will report flu developments on a daily basis.

Besides, Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao health authorities are exchanging information on the latest swine flu developments, Tsang said.

Describing the epidemic as a huge global challenge, the chief executive said Hong Kong should be on full alert given its population density and the presence of a large number of tourists which will lead to a comparatively higher risk.

Tsang also urged all Hong Kong people, families, schools and enterprises to pay special attention to personal and community hygiene, as social co-operation is necessary to succeed in the battle against the epidemic.