Olympic host cities: businessmen out, lepers in

Authorities in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao will no longer provide the invitation letters required in support of applications to visit the mainland for business, market research or training. According to the relevant authorities in each city, the issuance of invitation letters will recommence in mid-September. The Shanghai Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission said the new restrictions were ordered by "the superior authorities" in order to "sustain social stability during the games."

AQSIQ noted that the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution on June 18 that leprosy patients should enjoy equal rights with other people, and China has signed it. To fulfill this commitment, the Chinese government made a decision that foreigners with leprosy and their families were to be allowed entry into China from July 20.

Leprosy is a kind of chronic infectious disease caused by the leprosy bacillus. Leprosy patients have in the past been deprived of effective treatment because of a lack of understanding of the disease. Most leprosy patients suffer physical deformities which scare the public and can cause social prejudice and discrimination against these patients and their families.

Modern medical treatments can prevent and cure leprosy. According to World Health Organization statistics, more than 95 percent of people have immunity from leprosy bacillus, and even long-term exposure to leprosy patients will not cause the disease. The joint drug therapy recommended by World Health Organization is used around the globe and can totally cure leprosy patients.