The Government's guiding principle during the SARS outbreak was that public health be paramount in every decision, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says.

Speaking today at the Legislative Council Select Committee's hearing to inquire into the handling of the SARS outbreak, Dr Yeoh said little was known about the disease when the epidemic began in Hong Kong in March last year.

"The term 'Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome' was only coined by the World Health Organisation on March 15, 2003. In fact, the newly identified coronavirus was only accepted by WHO as the causative agent on April 16, 2003."

Facing an epidemic of an unknown disease, the Government worked closely with local and overseas experts and the healthcare sector to learn more.

Dr Yeoh said he and his colleagues in the Government and the Hospital Authority had all tried their best to meet the challenges within the constraints.

Unprecedented event brough community together

However, the outbreak had brought out the best in the community, with many people having contributed to the battle against the disease through their extraordinary service, hard work, professionalism and attention to duty, Dr Yeoh added.

"It was an event unprecedented not only in the modern history of Hong Kong, but also around the world. It was a painful experience for all of us, particularly for those who lost their loved ones," he said.