The number of SARS cases in Asia continues to climb as new cases arise in both China and Hong Kong. Officials say that measures to protect healthcare workers have not been adequate.

Under the new spirit of openness, China on Tuesday reported more than 150 new cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The death toll also rose by at least five, to hit 97.

In total China reports more than 2,100 SARS cases, about half the global total, of least 4,000 patients. There have been at least 230 SARS deaths worldwide.

Liu Jianchao, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman calls Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome "a catastrophe new to mankind."

Despite the rise in cases, Chinese authorities have backed away from an earlier decision to cancel most of the seven day holiday to mark Labor Day on May 1. Workers will have five days off.

The government, however, is discouraging people from traveling over the holiday, to avoid spreading the disease to impoverished rural areas, where health care facilities are limited.