The Central Government delivered eight truckloads of protective medical gear to Huanggang in Shenzhen today, for Hong Kong to continue its fight against SARS.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa was there to receive the equipment which included 113,000 protective gowns and 100,000 shoe covers.

State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan presented this first consignment of medical supplies on behalf of the Central Government.

Tangible support: The Central Government delivers to Hong Kong the first batch of medical supplies against SARS. The Chief Executive expresses gratitude to the Central Government. State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan highly praises Mr Tung and his administration for their tremendous amount of work against SARS since early March.

Other officials attending the ceremony included Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Liao Hui, Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua, Liaison Office Director of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren and Shenzhen Mayor Yu Youjun

Mr Tung said he had mixed feelings when accepting the supplies because the Mainland was fighting its own battle against SARS.

"Despite the urgent demand for such supplies on the Mainland, the Central Government has nevertheless made this sincere and tangible gesture of support to Hong Kong," Mr Tung said.

"These supplies do not only address our need for material resources, they also boost our spirits, encouraging Hong Kong people to carry on a tenacious struggle against the disease."

The Chief Executive pledged to further reduce the number of new infections, thereby restoring normal conditions of life, work and social order as soon as possible.

Mr Tang said the Central Government is very concerned about the health and well-being of Hong Kong people and will continue its support.

The Central Government, he said, highly praised Mr Tung and his administration for their tremendous amount of work against SARS since early March.

Mr Tung said Hong Kong will repay the support of the Central Government and the Mainland people with action and results.

He said the unprecedented crisis, while costing Hong Kong dearly, has stimulated a spirit of perseverance and mutual help in the community as never before.

With our unity, and particularly with our healthcare workers' courageous efforts, he said the number of new SARS cases in Hong Kong is declining steadily.

However, the crisis is not over. "The situation is still grave and we cannot afford to let down our guard," he said.

Mr Tang said he is pleased to see Hong Kong people united to fight the virus. He sends his best regards to patients and their families, and thanks all those involved in the battle. He is sure that Hong Kong's economy will revive after defeating SARS. 

He also said Mainland authorities are working hard to produce the quality medical supplies that Hong Kong requires.

President Hu Jintao stressed recently that the Central Government would provide the strongest support for Hong Kong.

The Central Government also specifically instructed that that all costs of such supplies and any future manpower support should be borne by the Central Government.

Head of Hospital Authority's Central Task Force on Supplies and Environmental Control on Atypical Pneumonia Dr Fung Hong said the supplies will enhance the protection to health care workers. At present, the daily consumption of protective gowns at public hospitals is 3,000, and 50,000 for shoe covers.