Schools and cinemas shut in Ghost City

MEXICO City is paralysed by the outbreak of swine flu.

The federal government shut schools until next week and closed the city's museums, theatres, nightclubs and cinemas in an effort to stop the virus from spreading amongst the 20million people who live in the megapolis.

The city's enormous Zocalo central plaza, usually buzzing with life, has been practically deserted. The masses of families and tourists usually found there were nowhere to be seen.

Street vendors were suffering because of the lack of customers. Sara Segura, 67, who sells jewellery by the cathedral, said sales had collapsed: "People aren't coming, they aren't buying."

Most of the few who were outside wore the blue government-issued masks, but others decided not to cover their mouths and noses. Student Jesus Escamilla, 22, thought the government had overreacted. He said: "I think they're being a bit alarmist."

Critics are suggesting that authorities were slow to respond to a flu outbreak that has reportedly been killing people in the country since March.