Beijing and Guangdong, which have the biggest numbers of SARS patients, had contributed more than 600 million yuan (US$72 million) by Tuesday, according to Financial Minister Jin Renqing.

In the 24 hours to 10 am Thursday, a total of 146 new SARS cases -- including 99 that changed from suspected cases to clinically diagnosed ones -- were reported on the mainland. In addition, there were 207 new suspected cases and five deaths.

Among all of the new cases, 94 were in the capital, where 51 new suspected cases were also recorded.

The Finance Ministry and Health Ministry have jointly issued an urgent document requiring all localities to give poverty-stricken peasants and urban dwellers, including peasants working in towns, free medical services once they contract SARS, to ensure each patient receives timely medical care, Jin said.

The State Council, China's cabinet, has decided to establish a 2 billion yuan (US$242 million) fund for SARS prevention and control, of which 900 million yuan (US$108 million) has already been allocated.

To step up the construction of facilities for disease prevention and control and to establish a faster response system to public health emergencies, the State Development and Reform Commission has allocated 2.9 billion yuan (US$340 million) to central and western regions and another 600 million yuan (US$72 million) for the construction of the first-phase project of the State disease prevention and control center.

In another development, there were rumors that Motorola, the world's second biggest mobile phone maker and one of the biggest foreign investors in China, had closed its Beijing headquarters after an employee became infected with SARS.

Christina Lee, the group's local media relations manager, told China Daily Thursday: "We are not shutting down our headquarters as reported by some media, but readjusting our working mode at this particular moment.

"We are encouraging our employees to work at home to keep safe from SARS and prevent further infection.''

Guangdong Provincial Governor Huang Huahua met Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Officer Tung Chee-hwa in Shenzhen Thursday afternoon.

They decided to strengthen cooperation and communication in combating the epidemic.

(China Daily May 9, 2003)