Blue Zoo Beijing Closes As A Sars Precaution

Blue Zoo Beijing Closes As A Sars Precaution

Statement made by Richard Yan, Chief Executive Officer, Richina Pacific Limited

SARS has forced Richina Pacific’s Blue Zoo aquarium business in Beijing to close for the time being.

To contain the disease, Beijing authorities have required a number of public and private facilities, including entertainment businesses, to close.

Management of the aquarium believes this is the right decision.

Visitor numbers have been significantly down in the last week, and while no staff have shown any symptoms of the disease, and the aquarium has no reported incidents of visitors being unwell, people are avoiding gathering in numbers.

The closure will give staff a greater level of protection by enabling them to stay at home, and will also contribute to the authorities’ campaign to bring the SARS virus under control. Only staff required to provide essential services for the welfare of fish and for maintenance will report for work.

The facility will reopen when authorities lift their ban.

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