Beijing announced yesterday that it would close theaters, nightclubs, Internet cafes and other recreational venues to stop the spread of SARS. Shanghai, however, has no plans to follow suit, according to Wang Wei of the municipal government's Information Office.

On Friday, the city established the Shanghai Prevention and Control Headquarters to enhance coordination on various efforts to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Mayor Han Zheng was appointed commander-in-chef of the new headquarters, while Deputy Party Secretary Yin Yicui was named standing deputy commander-in-chief, and Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu were named deputy commander-in-chief.

The headquarters will include an information office, general office and eight working groups, conducting SARS prevention and control work.

The groups are responsible for enhancing the city's reporting system, monitoring precaution measures at public transportation facilities and other public venues, overseeing scientific research on SARS, ensuring local markets have a proper supply of preventative products such as masks, equipment and medicine, and preventing price gouging.

Yesterday, Shanghai reported one new suspected patient while dismissing one, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 12, including two people from Hong Kong and one from the United States.

There are still only two confirmed SARS patients in Shanghai and both are listed in stable condition.

(eastday.com April 28, 2003)