MEXICO CITY — The sound of leaves rustling in the wind replaces a cacophony of commuter car horns. The lone bark of a dog echoes from a far-off balcony into the normally bustling restaurant district, suddenly empty of lunchtime crowds and late-night revelers.
Swine flu is scary, but it has also brought an unusual calm to this city that never shuts up. Crime is down, and even the smoggy skies have turned a shade approaching blue.
Throughout Mexico City, a megalopolis of 20 million, hustle and bustle has given way to shuffles and sighs.
Crime in the capital has dropped nearly a third since the swine flu outbreak was made public last week, according to the Attorney General’s office, with 280 crimes reported this week compared to 430 the week before.
Muggings were down 37 percent as potential victims stayed home, and shoplifting also dropped, with stores closed and customers staying away.
Those few who were arrested included vendors caught selling free face masks to people desperate to avoid germs. Smog also dropped to levels that tempted city dwellers to take in "fresh” air.
by the associated press
Swine flu is scary, but it has also brought an unusual calm to this city that never shuts up. Crime is down, and even the smoggy skies have turned a shade approaching blue.
Throughout Mexico City, a megalopolis of 20 million, hustle and bustle has given way to shuffles and sighs.
Crime in the capital has dropped nearly a third since the swine flu outbreak was made public last week, according to the Attorney General’s office, with 280 crimes reported this week compared to 430 the week before.
Muggings were down 37 percent as potential victims stayed home, and shoplifting also dropped, with stores closed and customers staying away.
Those few who were arrested included vendors caught selling free face masks to people desperate to avoid germs. Smog also dropped to levels that tempted city dwellers to take in "fresh” air.
by the associated press
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