161 new cases reported, 22 of them health care workers, raising the total number of cases to 2,914. Of the new infections, 126 were reported in Beijing.
The capital reported eight deaths, raising its total to 56. Shanxi reported one death, raising its total to nine.
President Hu Jintao told US President George W. Bush China is willing to co-operate with the international community. President Bush pledged aid.
Vice-President Zeng Qinghong made his first public speech on Sars. In his capacity as the President of the Central Party School in Beijing, he told cadres to take all possible measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Vice-Premier and Health Minister Wu Yi urged all cadres to act instead of merely giving empty promises.
The Hebei government vowed to sack any cadre found delaying reporting cases, covering them up or under-reporting.
Two disease control officials in Hunan were sacked for dereliction of duty.
Vice-Health Minister Ma Xiaowei is heading an inspection team to tour Guangdong.
Public Security authorities have established a taskforce to help identify suspected Sars patients and assist with quarantine measures.
Guangdong ordered travel agencies to cancel all local tours to prevent the spread of Sars.
The Health Ministry said all patients who die of Sars must be cremated.
China closed main entry points along the Nepal border.
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