Residents in epidemic-stricken areas are becoming increasingly calm as the reality of the spread of the flu-like virus sinks in.

Owing in part to an enhanced information flow about the disease, they are adapting their lives to incorporate new guidance on health and hygiene.

The shadow of SARS failed to stop a group of kite-flyers from enjoying the balmy spring sunshine in Beijing's Xicheng District.

Chinese people Thursday began to enjoy the five-day holiday to celebrate International Labor Day, which was shortened this year by the government to prevent nationwide travel and stop the spread of SARS.

A retired worker, who identified himself as Xu, said he and his senior peers had not missed a single day of flying kites in a small park near Fuxingmen.

"What use is it to lock yourself up at home shaking at the prospect of the disease?'' said Xu. "We read in newspapers that the key to fighting SARS is to build up your body.''

Fresh air in open spaces and a light heart will help combat the infection, said Xu, who had chosen not to wear a facemask.

Si You, an engineer in Beijing who flew to his hometown to see his ill mother 10 days ago, said he was not able to see his parents until Thursday.

"I'm from a disease-stricken region so I had to isolate myself for a few days even though I knew I was fine. Only then can I feel it is safe to see my mother,'' said Si, in central China's Hubei Province.

Si has benefited from the country's intensified efforts to disseminate information about SARS, which also provides explicit precautionary measures against the deadly viral disease.

The fight against SARS has also put the squeeze on the wedding boom that occurs in the week before and after the Labor Day holiday.

But devoted couples have developed others ways of marking their special occasion.

Li Yu, an information technology worker in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, held a high-tech wedding ceremony.

Using a digital camera, the bridegroom broadcast his wedding reception -- attended by only a few close relatives -- online at his personal website for other friends and relatives.

Li said the small wedding ceremony was to avoid a lot of people getting together in a tight area, which may risk of spreading SARS.

Beijing's decision to close theatres, cinemas and other entertainment centers has forced more residents to use the Internet or rent DVDs.

A movie fan in Beijing, who identified himself as Zhou, said he used his Internet broadband access to watch movies online.

But the greatest impact on ordinary residents was the change in their everyday personal health and hygiene habits.

Apart from paying closer attention to what they eat and where to go, people are washing their hands with greater regularity because of the SARS threat.

An Yi, a doctor at Beijing's Anding Hospital, said anxiety usually accompanies an epidemic outbreak, but excessive stress may erode body immunity.

In fact, the Beijing Public Health Bureau has opened a hotline (010-62020752) to ease fears of SARS.

(China Daily, May 2, 2003)