Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Monday at a press conference that he is sad about the life losses during the SARS outbreak and paid respect to medical staff and Hong Kong citizens for the strive and contribution when fighting the disease.

The World Health Organization's has removed today Hong Kong from its SARS-affected area list.

WHO's decision resulted from Hong Kong's 20th consecutive day on Sunday of no new SARS infection, which means Hong Kong has met all of the UN health agency's requirements.