Municipal government official Cai Fuchao has told a press briefing that Beijing has postponed and cancelled a series of international meetings and expos on the economy, technology and culture exchanges. But he says this is necessary.

"Economic development has retreated to second place when confronted with people's lives and health. Of all the business of our government, the protection of people's lives and health is of the utmost importance."

Cai Fuchao denounces the rumors of sealing Beijing. He says there is no possibility the capital will block airport and highway access, not to mention carry out curfew. He says this does not conform to objective reality in the capital.

The official says it is quite necessary and an important measure for the city to apply isolation and transfer of patients to appointed hospitals for treatment.

"The transferring of patients is to provide effective therapy and to cut off the infection chain. Those who claim that transferring patients is only to hide the truth are being irresponsible."

Cai Fuchao adds there is no concentrated infection area in Beijing yet, and of all SARS patients, children and aged people account for a small percentage, and no cases have been found in Beijing's kindergartens. Most patients are in their thirties and forties.

Sources from the municipal government says Beijing will hold press briefings on SARS information twice a week as of Friday.

(cri.com April 26, 2003)