The number of 3000 is way under estimate IMO
SARS start from Nov last year, and it was like flu at early stage.
Chinese don't like to see Dr. unless is something really bad, like cancer, heart attact, arm get cut off...etc.
ang guess what in Guangdong, China the health environment is not that good, if HK has 300+ case, how could the whole China only got 700+? The number just don't add up.
HK is a major HUB for air traveller to Asia, unless you complete shutdown the Airport, there is no way to stop SARS to other part of world.
According to news source, 90% people won't even know they have SARS cause it just like flu, would you stop fly just cause you got a minor flu? guess not.