Russia limits air links with SARS-harassed China

SARS makes Vladivostok, major seaport on Russia's Pacific coast, and administrative centre of the Maritime Territory, suspend flights from and to China. An appropriate resolution is expected within the week, reports the State Civil Aviation Service under Russia's Transport Ministry.

Passenger flights to Harbin will stop up to mid-June on Service recommendation, which proceeds from a decision by Vladivostok epidemiological experts. Same about tourist exchange between China and the Maritime Territory, which will be altogether barred to Chinese nationals for a month, say Service PR.

Airports in Khabarovsk, in the Russian Far East, Siberia's Novosibirsk, and Moscow - one in each city - will cater for Russia-China flights. All three ports have specially equipped medical centres to detect SARS cases.