On Sunday, Beijing authorities ordered all entertainment venues - theaters, Internet cafes and clubs - shut to "stop possible spread of the SARS virus and ensure public health,'' the official Xinhua New Agency said.

A sign outside a movie theater in eastern Beijing read: "Cultural and entertainment spaces are temporarily closed for business beginning today. Thank you for understanding.''

At South Cathedral, a sign in English pasted on the door said Mass was suspended for one month due to city rules requiring that "all congregations greater than 50 be canceled.'' An accompanying sign in Chinese said only that services were canceled "to ensure the health of parishioners and clergy.'' A.P.

A sign of things to come?