SARS claims nine lives in one day

HONG KONG reported a record nine SARS deaths in a day yesterday, including its youngest victim to date, as the Chinese capital of Beijing woke up to a virus creeping into its hinterland.

US and Canadian scientists said they had independently mapped the genome of the new virus blamed for causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), raising hopes a test could be developed so treatment can be given as soon as possible.

But with airlines canceling flights, tourists staying at home, and shops and restaurants empty in SARS hotspots like Hong Kong and Singapore, Asian governments are facing their greatest challenge since the 1997-98 regional economic crisis.