Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa expressed Thursday deep sorrow over the death of Tant Heung May, health care assistant who was infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) while looking after patients at the United Christian Hospital.

"I am very sad to learn of the death of the frontline worker who sacrificed her life while tirelessly serving patients at hospital wards in our battle against the disease. I join the entire community of Hong Kong to convey our deepest sympathy to her family," Tung said.

Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Yeoh Eng-kiong, was also saddened by the death of the 36-year-old health care assistant who contracted with SARS on April 1 and passed away Thursday.

"I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for her commitment and dedication in taking care of patients," Yeoh said.

"I am grieved to hear the loss of a dedicated health care staff and offer my deepest condolences to her family," he said.

A 38-year-old male nurse and a 35-year-old female doctor devoted their lives to the anti-SARS battle in Hong Kong earlier.

Hong Kong has been taking a series of measure to maintain the health of the health care workers.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2003)