<

China Threatens Death in SARS Battle; Fear in Taiwan

Thursday, May 15, 2003
(9:11 AM)
By John Ruwitch
Reuters Staff

Taiwan's government has ordered all subway passengers to wear face masks and canceled leave for the military. The army's chemical warfare unit -- dressed in stark white, space suit-like protective gear and black gas masks -- has become a common sight as it disinfects the capital district by district.

BEIJING -- Reuters
China, haunted by the possibility of SARS rampaging through its vast countryside, has threatened to execute or jail for life anyone who intentionally spreads the killer virus.

The news came as authorities in Taiwan quarantined hundreds of people at three major hospitals amid fears of a widespread epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome on the island.

China, which has reported 271 deaths and about two-thirds of the world's 7,700 known SARS cases, issued a harsh interpretation of its laws on contagious disease after reports that people were violating quarantine orders or refusing to admit to the symptoms.

"Intentionally spreading sudden contagious disease pathogens, endangering public security or serious personal injury, death or heavy loss of public or private property will be punishable by from 10 years to life in prison or the death penalty," the official Xinhua news agency said.

* FEAR IN TAIWAN
(More: Netscape Network News)
2003 © Reuters, Ltd.

Yet another example of a government too busy to take care of its own. The most rational solution to poor sanitation and poor education always seems to be, "Just kill 'em."

Dan