The number of people isolated in Beijing for having had close contact with suspect or probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients was 19,189 as of 10:00 a.m. Saturday, up 581 from a day before, according to the latest local epidemiological survey.

Also as of 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 11,355 persons had been released from quarantine, a rise of 784, said the survey.

During the reporting period from 10:00 a.m. Friday to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, the number of areas and construction sites in Beijing isolated to check the spread of the SARS disease remained at two and four, respectively, according to the Beijing anti-SARS joint task force.

In addition, the number of outpatient departments in major hospitals conducting SARS evaluation dropped from 59 to 57 during the reporting period, with the increase of designated SARS hospitals.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2003)