The atypical pneumonia outbreak here in Hong Kong and now in many other countries is very serious. The new virus actually originated from mainland China, in the Guangdong province. Currently, in Hong Kong only, almost 300 people have been infected and 10 have already died from what has been termed "Sars" (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) by the WHO (World Health Organization). Singapore has 700 people quarantined and 1 has died. They've also closed all their schools. Hong Kong has ordered only 100 schools closed for a week.

What's eerie is seeing so many people (myself included) on the streets, in the subway, and in offices wearing masks to breath through. My guess is that 5-10 percent of the pubic here are now wearing masks. You see a whole assortment of masks — some surgical, some for the construction industry. I've been using the 3M 8210 model mask which I've heard is one of the best.