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Tue, 20.05.2003
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pte20030520041 Politics/Law, Health/Medicine
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Cyber weddings due to SARS
Up to 90 per cent of ceremonies postponed in Beijing

Beijing (pte041/20.05.2003/16:07) - Marriage in cyberspace is gaining popularity in China, as couples cancel traditional ceremonies in reaction to the ongoing SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic.

While spring is the most popular time for weddings in China, the SARS outbreak has caused many to put their marriage plans on hold. Up to 90 per cent of spring wedding parties in Beijing have been postponed.

But a growing number of couples are taking advantage of the Internet to broadcast their ceremonies, as reported today by China Daily http://fpeng.peopledaily.com.cn . The weddings are organised on a small scale and broadcast online, where relatives and friends can send their wishes by e-mail and participate in the ceremony via video broadcast.

SARS has also changed daily life in the streets of Beijing. Due to a decrease in the amount of traffic in the capital, up to 200 traffic lights have been adjusted to accommodate the gentler flow of traffic. According to the city traffic authority, the intervals have been reduced by an average of ten seconds. (newsfox-special SARS)

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