Virus deals a blow to struggling economy

BANKRUPTCIES are rising again in Hong Kong, where the SARS virus has added to the problems facing its struggling economy.

In March, 3,199 people in Hong Kong were declared bankrupt, a rise of 18.1% on the previous month and close to January’s all-time record.

Hong Kong’s government has already admitted the outbreak of the potentially fatal virus, known as SARS, will dampen economic growth this year and has ditched its goal of a 3% increase.