Sars and the built environment in Hong Kong

This paper outlines the chronology and issues relating to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic in Hong Kong in 2003. It includes findings from the Sars Expert Committee established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to review the epidemic. An overview is given of built environment related research that was proposed following the epidemic and outlines of a number of subsequent research initiatives. These initiatives include a major research project that was jointly funded by the Construction Industry Institute of Hong Kong and the Faculty of Construction and Land Use of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These findings are reported in more detail. A perspective is given of how the epidemic has changed attitudes to a ‘healthy environment’ in Hong Kong.