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WHO team visits Guangdong to research virus

A World Health Organization (WHO) team hunted for clues in southern China, the origin of a global virus outbreak, as Thailand vowed yesterday to quarantine plane loads of tourists if anyone on board displayed symptoms.

In Hong Kong, which now has the largest number of reported daily cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the government said more children and school staff had been diagnosed with the disease and that schools would remain shut.

The Hong Kong government announced 26 new infections yesterday, bringing the total to 734. One more person died, raising the death toll to 17.

With no medical proof yet of what causes the deadly, flu-like disease, or how it is spread, the WHO has issued a worldwide warning against travel to China's Guangdong Province and neighboring Hong Kong. More countries also announced new precautions.

Thailand said visitors from high-risk countries would be quarantined for 14 days if anyone on board their aircraft was found with SARS symptoms.

The virus has infected 2,300 people across 18 countries. Nearly 80 people have died.

Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, declared SARS an infectious disease yesterday, allowing for tough regulations. Health Minister Ahmad Sujudi said three people were being treated as though they had SARS.

After being criticized for its silence on the disease, China allowed the WHO visit to Guangdong on Wednesday, but the body does not appear to have unrestricted access.

"At the moment, it's basically up for negotiation," WHO spokesman Chris Powell said in Guangdong.

Chinese Health Minister Zhang Wenkang (張文康) declared China a safe place to travel yesterday, but amplified his earlier statements that SARS was under control in China.

"I said it was under effective control. I didn't say it was stamped out," he told a news conference. "Society is stable and it is safe to work, live and travel."

The loss of business and a slump in tourist arrivals in Asia are already being seen by some industries, such as retail and airlines, as having a bigger negative impact than the Iraq war.

Germany was the latest major economy yesterday to urge its citizens to postpone non-essential visits to Guangdong and Hong Kong. India said it was on alert for cases at airports.

In New Zealand yesterday, providers of accommodation and transport to an international convention refused to service a Chinese delegation.

Organizers had to tell 43 Chinese delegates expected to attend not to come after local businesses said they would not deal with them for fear of catching SARS.

In Hong Kong, where 16 people have died and more than 700 have been infected, the rapid spread of the virus has turned the once-bustling city into a ghost town.

Desperate to draw customers, more shopkeepers are now selling detergents and masks. Popular karaoke bars and restaurants are almost empty. Streets in one of the world's most densely populated cities are quiet. Over half the population wear masks.

In one golf gear shop in the Central business district, disinfectants, surgical masks, health supplements and sprays have replaced golf clubs and balls in the shop window.

"With SARS, more people are concerned about hygiene," a shop assistant said. "We've ordered more of this stuff. There's nothing much you can do these days."

Investment banks have also cut growth forecasts in Singapore, where four people have died, schools have been closed, and Singapore Airlines announced it is cutting 60 flights a week.
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