SARS costing Asia billions: survey

A survey has found that the outbreak of the SARS has cost Asia almost $18 billion…..

A survey has found that the outbreak of the SARS has cost Asia almost $18 billion…..A survey has found that the outbreak of the SARS has cost Asia almost $18 billion, with the figure likely to rise. Asia’s economic growth is suffering under the impact of the deadly SARS virus.A survey conducted by the Far Eastern Economic Review says China’s losses remain the highest at $3.6 billion. Proportionally though, Hong Kong has suffered the most, with the economy losing $2.8 billion.Hong Kong retailers report sales have fallen by half since mid-March, while the entertainment and restaurant industries have seen an 80 per cent drop in business. Tourism arrivals have also take a severe plunge. It is feared though the outbreak could end up costing Asia $82 billion.Meanwhile, Australia has officially notified the World Health Organisation of three probable cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome.The three Canadian children, visiting north-east Victoria have now fully recovered, but are Australia’s only probable cases of SARS so far.Medical authorities say the children did not transmit the disease.(Source: ABC Online; Thursday, April 17, 2003. 5:17pm (AEST))