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In what may be the toughest rules yet disclosed by a government to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus, the Beijing government has announced heavy fines and even criminal charges may be levied against businesses, agencies, or individuals that fail to do a good job of preventing the spread of the disease.
This from the Shanghai Daily.
Beijing gets tough on flu prevention
By Li Xinran | 2009-6-24 |
BUSINESSES, public institutions and government organizations in Beijing found of doing a poor job of implementing swine flu emergency measures will be fined up to 200,000 yuan (US$29,200), the city government said yesterday.
The capital said it is enforcing the measure to ensure stability in the run-up to celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China.
Beijing planned to severely punish local businesses and individuals responsible for any further spread of the H1N1 virus.
Negligent businesses would have daily operations suspended or their licenses revoked and could face fines of between 50,000 yuan and 200,000 yuan. Any confirmed or suspected swine flu patients who refuse to accept quarantine or medical treatment and lead to a spread of the disease could face criminal charges.
Violators of the disease prevention and control rules, whether businesses or individuals, may also need to pay victims compensation.
Beijing issued a warning to its 14th swine flu patient, identified as He, for having exposed many people to the virus.
During the four days before it was confirmed that he had the H1N1 virus, he went out in public frequently and took several taxis without keeping receipts, making it more difficult for authorities to locate his contacts, an official said.
Beijing had reported 87 cases of swine flu up to yesterday.
