BEIJING, China -- Beijing authorities have ordered all the city's theaters, cinemas, Internet cafes and other public entertainment venues to close as it struggles to get a grip on the SARS virus.
Officials confirmed another 126 people had fallen sick to SARS Sunday in the city of 14 million people, and said eight more people had died. Beyond Beijing, Chinese officials recorded one death and 35 new sufferers.
The decision to close the venues for as long as is needed was made to "stop possible spread of the SARS virus and ensure public health," China's official Xinhua news agency said Sunday.
Already businesses have suffered massive losses as nervous Beijing residents hunker down at home, with streets deserted. The government also suspended the approval of marriages to discourage big parties and has closed public libraries.
Officials confirmed another 126 people had fallen sick to SARS Sunday in the city of 14 million people, and said eight more people had died. Beyond Beijing, Chinese officials recorded one death and 35 new sufferers.
The decision to close the venues for as long as is needed was made to "stop possible spread of the SARS virus and ensure public health," China's official Xinhua news agency said Sunday.
Already businesses have suffered massive losses as nervous Beijing residents hunker down at home, with streets deserted. The government also suspended the approval of marriages to discourage big parties and has closed public libraries.
