College students and teachers in Beijing have been urged to remain in Beijing for the upcoming five-day holiday in early May in a bid to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), according to an official circular issued Thursday.
According to the circular issued by the education authorities of Beijing Municipal Government, college teachers and students, including overseas students, are prohibited from leaving the capital for the holiday.
But education authorities said they would respect the will of overseas students who want to quit school or leave China for home in accordance with the country's laws on exit and entry and on quarantine.
Chinese students who insist on leaving Beijing for home must go through some procedures, or obtain permission, with written documents proving they are healthy, according to the circular.
But students who have poor health and are from rural areas, western parts of the country or areas with SARS are prohibited from leaving Beijing.
(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2003)
