Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre of Health Protection has returned to work a day after losing her husband to cancer.

This came after sources said Chuang's husband, Charles Yu Ngok-fung, passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The dentist, who owns a clinic in Jordan, had been at the Prince of Wales Hospital due to a brain tumor since early this year, around the same time Covid-19 broke out in the SAR.

Chuang returned yesterday to hold the daily Covid-19 press briefing after her absence on Saturday and Sunday.

She appeared grim and tired during the briefing, but still answered questions professionally - no different from her usual briefings.

When a reporter asked Chuang about her absence due to family matters, she skipped the question.

Politicians from both sides of the spectrum came together to express their condolences.

"Chuang has been at almost each and every health press conference, while also taking care of her kids and her sick husband. Her dedication to work and her family is admirable and respected," New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee wrote on Facebook.

Without naming Chuang, Executive Council member Ronny Tong Ka-wah wrote on social media: "My deepest condolences, we will remember your contribution to society."

The Democratic Party thanked Chuang's selfless contribution to Hong Kong and encouraged Chuang to take good care of herself.

Medical sector lawmaker Pierre Chan Pui-yin acknowledged Yu's fight and hoped he could rest in peace.

Netizens who watched the live broadcast of yesterday's press briefing found it heart-wrenching.

"I cannot even tell any difference from past press briefings Still as professional as usual, which made me nearly choke up," one wrote.

"The professionalism displayed by Dr Chuang has moved all Hongkongers, as she puts public matters first and personal matters later. The world is better with you, it is hard to find words to express my gratitude," another wrote.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com

Chuang back to work after loss