Ok, I know... I don't want to revolve my site around this unfortunate crisis, but just to let you know that is was Ching Ming yesterday. Bascially on April 5th, Chinese will go an visit their ancestor's graves, and pay their respects. (Discover Hong Kong's site gives a clear brief overview of what Ching Ming is. )
So yesterday I went down to Cork with my mom and brother to visit my Uncle's and cousin's grave and paid our respects as well. We also paid our respects to our beloved close friends. It was all very perfect and tranquil. We did not burn and incenses, or burn paper money, but we all brought along flowers and thoughts for our loved ones.
But it is also good to hear that not everyone is afraid of SARS to pay their respects, here is a Canadian article I found - City's Chinese community forgoes fears to honour dead