Officials keen to show media they have responded quickly

Mainland authorities are keen to create the impression they have responded quickly to the global spread of swine flu through 'full governmental information transparency'.

As the deadly A/H1N1 swine flu epidemic in Mexico spread quickly to other countries, prompting fears of a global pandemic, workers in the mainland media said it was suggested that they give full coverage to the mainland's efforts to work with the international community to help curb the spread of the virus.

The mainland has not reported any human cases of swine flu, and state media have been bombarding the public with updates on epidemic control and tips on hygiene. There have been no instructions from propaganda authorities about any 'forbidden zones' for reporters.

'We haven't received any notice of a ban, and from my experience in dealing with the health and disease-control administrations, it seems they are trying to be co-operative this time,' a reporter for a Beijing newspaper said yesterday. 'It gives me a feeling that the authorities are trying to present a positive image of being efficient and co-operative.'

Editors at internet portals said they could create special columns for swine flu coverage, and many reporters said they were even informed about press conferences and website updates during weekends, a rare practice.

Governments in provinces including Hebei, Shanxi, Henan and Jiangxi have arranged news briefings for local news outlets.

An editor at a central government newspaper said imposing a news blackout was not necessary, since the epidemic 'was far away from China', but it was wise for Beijing to show openness and transparency to ensure social stability at home and allay any global concerns of a cover-up.