Shanghai yesterday relaxed quarantine rules and stopped requiring most transport workers to wear masks, as local media declared the Sars situation in the city 'stable'. Authorities will only require people who have come in contact with confirmed or suspected Sars cases to submit to two weeks' quarantine. Previously, all residents returning from affected areas faced two weeks in isolation, although visitors were subject only to health checks. The local transport bureau also announced that bus drivers, taxi drivers and transport ticket sellers were no longer required to wear masks. But people working on air-conditioned buses, in subway stations and for long-distance bus companies must continue to wear the protective gear. From yesterday, Shanghai also stopped requiring people in taxis and private vehicles to fill out health declaration forms when they leave the city, although passengers on long-distance buses must still do so. 'The Sars epidemic is gradually becoming stable,' one newspaper in the city said. Over the weekend, Shanghai released its third recovered Sars patient. The city has eight confirmed cases, including two deaths and three in hospital. The number of suspected cases stood at one yesterday morning. But the virus continues to claim economic victims. Another Shanghai landmark, the Great World Amusement Centre, has closed because of declining patronage due to the Sars outbreak. Local media quoted operators as saying they would carry out renovations and search for new funds. This is the first time the entertainment venue has closed since the Cultural Revolution. The 86-year-old building features a distinctive hexagonal shape and 12 columns. The Peace Hotel on the Bund also has closed for renovations because of a lack of guests since the outbreak.