Civil servants' concerted efforts in the SARS fight have won high regard from the community, Secretary for Civil Service Joseph Wong says.

In a letter to all civil servants today, Mr Wong expressed his appreciation to officers from various government departments who have been working professionally and diligently alongside our health care workers in combating the virus.

Certificates of appreciation will be issued to officers who have contributed towards the fight against SARS, he added.

Mr Wong paid tribute to two colleagues who sacrificed their lives recently in the course of duty.

They were Senior Police Inspector Leung Bo-ming who drowned in a flood rescue attempt, and Prince of Wales Hospital Ward Attendant Wong Kang-tai who died fighting SARS.

"Their bravery, selflessness and professionalism is the very exemplification of the best of civil servants. They will long live in our memories," Mr Wong said.

"Of course, our tributes extend to all public servants as well as those in the private sector who lost their lives while saving others in our battle against SARS."

Mr Wong said the Government's immediate target is for Hong Kong to be delisted from the SARS infected areas.