高中三年级英语(人教版)全一册 Unit 9 Integrating Skills 2

　　ANGELS IN WHITE

　　Fear had gripped the nation, indeed the whole world. An unknown deadly virus had infected thousands of people and was spreading quickly. There was no cure and the number of cases was rising every day. In the media, SARS seemed to be the topic of every headline and news report. In Beijing, usually a lively and busy city, the streets were empty as people stayed at home in order to avoid the virus. The few who had to go outside covered their mouths with masks, which were soon to become symbols of the epidemic. The numbers of new and suspected cases were announced on the news each day, as was the number of deaths.

　　As horrible as it was, SARS was not strong enough to break the determination of the Chinese people. Once the seriousness of the situation was fully understood, the government took quick and forceful action. Important safety rules were put in place, a new hospital was built in record time in Beijing, and schools were closed to prevent further spreading of the disease. Funds were provided to make sure that people who didn't have medical insurance could still get treatment. Doctors and scientists worked around the clock to determine the origin of the disease and everyone did what they could to fight this new enemy.

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