Last week, the number of cases reaches 8,857, up from 4.420 a week earlier. Tomorrow, alert might reach highest level in four-level tier. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao confirms rapid rise in case in his country. Saud Health Ministry launches action plan ahead for pilgrims coming to Makkah.

Hong Kong reports two deaths and 321 new infections in one day; one in Macao. Beijing produces vaccine that WHO says is "encouraging". Since the beginning of Ramadan, no victims at Mecca and Medina.