Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong has commended the open support given to the Government in combating atypical pneumonia by staff unions.

He also expressed his deep appreciation of the vow by disciplined services unions to organise volunteer teams if necessary.

Mr Wong said amid the present difficulties, the community expects civil servants to carry out their duties conscientiously and to be on constant standby to combat the virus.

"In fact, to implement the isolation order of Block E of Amoy Gardens, many frontline staff, especially medical staff, and officers from the disciplined services, Home Affairs Department, Social Welfare Department, Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Civil Aid Service, have been working day and night, and sparing no effort in combating the spread of atypical pneumonia," Mr Wong said.

"Their dedicated spirit of serving the public deserves recognition."

He believed all civil servants will fully support the Government's contingency measures to contain the virus and help the community combat it.