Tang Heung-may, a front-line health care assistant who had been killed by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) disease when treating patients, was put to rest in Gallant Garden on Thursday.

Before her burial, Tang's family members, colleagues and friends remembered her in a special ceremony. Some top officials including Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa also attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the courageous health care worker.

Tang's coffin was draped in the red and white Hong Kong flag. A banner above a picture of hers read, "Long live care and love."

Tang, 36, died on May 15 after being infected by a SARS patient at the United Christian Hospital on April 1.

Gallant Garden is a special resting place for people who sacrifice their lives for their duties.

So far, four hospital workers have been killed by the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong.

A front-line doctor and a nurse killed by the SARS disease have already been put to rest in Gallant Garden. Another health care assistant at United Christian Hospital died this week.

SARS has infected 1,729 people in Hong Kong and killed 270, but the disease seems to be gradually under control with only a few new cases reported each day in recent weeks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has lifted the travel advisory against Hong Kong on May 23.