The highly infectious nature of the disease has compelled concerned authorities to make temporary decisions aimed at reducing the chance of infection through contact between people. Apart from the cancellation of the week-long May Day holiday, schools in some areas have closed temporarily.

In Beijing, which is now a seriously affected area with around 100 new SARS cases being reported daily, entertainment businesses such as karaoke bars, Internet cafes, theaters and cinemas have been ordered to suspend business.

These efforts to control population flow are necessary and in line with international practice. They bear witness to the responsible attitude of the government towards safeguarding the welfare of all citizens.

To guarantee the effectiveness of these measures, public understanding and support is indispensable.

In another major effort to prevent the virus from spreading elsewhere, Beijing Party Chief Liu Qi vowed on Tuesday that municipal authorities will take measures to keep the disease within the boundary of the capital.

Owing to the fact that Beijing is home to a large number of migrant workers, mainly surplus rural labourers seeking temporary jobs here, it is very important for the capital city to take a firm stand on population flow to prevent the virus from spreading to unaffected places. In particular, it must not spread to rural areas which have two thirds of the country's population and substandard medical services in comparison with cities.

Needless to say, this will be a very demanding task that needs the support and co-operation of all residents in the city.

To persuade labourers from fleeing the city, a healthy and clean working and living environment should be created for them as soon as possible. This is by no way an easy job.

On the other hand, as the busy farming season is approaching, itinerant workers will have to be obliged to return to their homes to help with farm work. If they cannot return in time then their families will be in difficulty.

Fortunately, concerned parties are working to help farm labourers overcome these problems.

The Beijing Municipal Government requires all employers to improve living and working conditions for rural labourers on their payroll. They must also give timely and full pay to their workers. Offenders will be severely punished.

Measures such as sterilizing dormitories, taking temperatures and distributing protection materials have been implemented by the work units of itinerant workers.

As the fight against SARS will probably be a prolonged one, continuous endeavours from both the government and ordinary people are vital.

(China Daily April 30, 2003)