EVEN dark clouds have golden linings and so does SARS, which has started to change the bad habits of many Chinese, such as spitting in public and negligence about personal hygiene.

　　A survey showed that two thirds of Chinese admitted to spitting often. But as soon as spitting was recognized as a source of SARS spreading, the Shanghai's People's Congress passed an amendment to its hygiene administration regulations.

　　The new amendment increased the heaviest fine for spitting in public from 50 yuan to 200 yuan (US), which has substantially reduced the number of public spitters.

　　It is difficult to tell how long the change will last, but consciousness has been raised. "An old guy spat right beside me," said a local woman. "I quickly turned away. How dare he did such a thing!"

　　Hygiene has become a matter of key importance in Chinese households. Disinfectant is sprayed not only in public but also in families where no one has the disease. Recently people have been warned about the overuse of anti-septic products, which may damage people's health.

　　Other measures to prevent SARS without risking people's health have been taken up with great enthusiasm by citizens. They wash their hands in every possible circumstance and avoid close contact in public - even giving up shaking hands with others. The traditional Chinese greeting ritual gongshou, bowing with hands folded in front, has resumed.

　　To change their clothing more often, to shower and wash their hair more often, such suggestions from medical staff has pushed untidy people - usually men - to form new hygiene habits. What seemed a small issue has now become a matter of life and death.

　　A woman office worker washed her hands to prepare for lunch. When her lunch was delivered, she went to wash her hands again. "I touched cash just now," she explained.

　　It has become common for office workers to wash their hands five or six times a day. Liquid soap is placed in prominent positions on shop shelves. Anything marked as "anti-septic" sells like hot cakes, from soap and masks to house appliances like air-conditioners and dish washers.

　　Central air-conditioners have been turned off in many office buildings. Instead, windows are open to let in fresh air. Some offices even broke the glass of windows which were not designed to be opened.

　　People used to laugh at those taking vitamin pills without being ill. Now medicines or nutritious food described as "enhancing immunity" enjoy a flourishing market. Various vitamin pills quickly sell out.

　　An interesting paradox of the SARS period is that, while people place great importance on health improvement and exercise, they do not go to gyms as often. "I have only used my gym card three or four times," said a 24-year local woman. "I haven't been there since SARS started." It was the closed environment that stopped her.

　　Also, while all indoor concerts and performance events are cancelled, outdoor activities are still held. Karaoke and mahjong gatherings are significantly reduced.

　　Families have become closer, not only because they stay at home to avoid public gatherings, but also because they realize their importance to each other. It seems, all of a sudden, people can lose their most beloved ones to the disease.

　　Medical experience shows the disease is often spread between family members, which also drives people to pay more attention to their responsibility to their families. Young mothers are advised to caress their children only after proper cleaning when they return home.

　　Many plans for trips have been cancelled, but phone calls and mobile phone messages have increased, for exchanging wishes, comfort and encouraging words.

　　Residential communities have taken strict measures, warning people not to receive guests from SARS stricken areas and encouraging people to call medical institutions about nearby suspects.

　　Better-off establishments install temperature testing system at the entrance, stopping those with any sign of fever.

　　Soho (small office, home office) work is turning into a dominant trend. Many units make arrangements for their employees to work at home.

　　After enjoying the flexible lifestyle of Soho, it is estimated that the number of Sohos will stay high even after the waning of the SARS outbreak.