China closes theatres and cafes in bid to stop SARS

CHINA closed theatres, internet cafes and other entertainment venues in an attempt to stop the spread of SARS as the Health Ministry yesterday reported nine new deaths from the flu-like illness nationwide.

The closures were ordered to "stop possible spread of the SARS virus and ensure public health", the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The measure was announced just days after the city shut down schools, sending home 1.7 million students.