The Surprising Impact Of SARS

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North American airline bookings to Hong Kong have plunged more than 85%

In the first two weeks of April, visitor arrivals to Singapore dropped 61%

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL says it is safe for teams to visit Toronto and play the Blue Jays, but advises players to avoid crowds, wash their hands a lot and use their own pens when signing autographs

The virus is costing Canada $30 million a day, according to J.P. Morgan

Personal bankruptcies in Hong Kong are up 74%

A PANDA BEAR born at the San Diego Zoo will not make a scheduled June transfer to a zoo in China. Officials are concerned about the panda's human handlers, not the bear

From February to March, hotel business in Asia plummeted 25%

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has cut its weekly flights 45%

Retail sales in Hong Kong are down 50%

AUSTRALIAN FISHERMEN whose catch is sold to Hong Kong restaurants are experiencing a sharp drop in demand

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH of Singapore has suspended confessions in booths and instead granted "general forgiveness" to believers. In Ontario, worshippers are asked to refrain from kissing icons, dipping their hands in holy water or sharing Communion wine --By Michele Orecklin