The Beijing municipal government has threatened to fine or even prosecute organizations and individuals that failed to observe A/H1N1 flu prevention rules and caused the spread of the epidemic.

According to a circular issued Tuesday, organizations should have special fund and equipment for prevention of the disease, educate its employees on prevention measures and monitor the health status of the employees.

"Organizations failing to fulfill their responsibility will be ordered to suspend their operation, have their licenses revoked temporarily or permanently, and fined 50,000 yuan to 200,000 (about US$7,353 to 29,412)," said the circular.

The individuals who are suspected or confirmed to be A/H1N1 patient but refuse to receive test, quarantine and treatment, causing spread of the epidemic will be punished according to criminal and civil laws, it added.

Beijing has given a warning to the city's 14th H1N1 patient for having exposed many people to the ailment.

The 24-year-old patient, surnamed He, went around in public frequently after he returned from the United States, despite his known contacts with A/H1N1 suspects. He met many people even after he had a sore throat and cough.

By Tuesday, Beijing has confirmed 87 A/H1N1 cases.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2009)