ASIA reported 17 more Sars deaths yesterday as Beijing officials were ordered to step up efforts to fight the virus and Hong Kong school pupils went back to class wearing surgical masks after a three-week shutdown.

The death toll rose to 235 worldwide as China reported 11 new fatalities from severe acute respiratory syndrome and Malaysia announced its second death. Hong Kong announced another five, pushing the Sars toll there to 99.

Canadian authorities said hundreds of people in Toronto might have been exposed to Sars by two hospital employees who ignored orders to stay at home after they showed symptoms.

And Asia's tourism industry suffered a new blow as Vietnam announced plans to close a popular attraction to Chinese visitors.

Indonesia's national airline suspended flights to Taiwan because of a sharp drop in passenger numbers. Other carriers have already slashed flights.