Business chamber: Swine flu shutdown costing Mexico City nearly $57 million a day

Mexico City swine flu losses at $57 million a day

MEXICO CITY — A leading business group estimates that canceled events and closure of movie theaters, night clubs, museums and other establishments to prevent the spread of swine flu is costing Mexico City at least 777 million pesos ($57 million) a day.

Arturo Mendicuti, president of the city’s Chamber of Trade, Services and Tourism, says the figure represents a 36-percent drop in revenue generated by tourism and services in the Mexican capital.

He said Tuesday the estimate was made before the city government expanded the shutdown Tuesday to include restaurants, which now are only allowed to serve takeout.

The Confederation of Industrial Chambers urged the government to reconsider its decision to close restaurants.