Chinese statistics bodies at all levels are urged to render accurate statistics on the country's economic losses caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in May and June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

　　All local statistics departments should keep a close eye on the effects of SARS on any economic and social sector and report the statistics according to the facts, the bureau said in a recent circular to its branches, quoted by Saturday's China Daily.

　　Though the outbreak of SARS has seen no obvious effect on the country's economy last month, the negative effects will gradually be seen in economic indices for May and June, the newspaper said.

　　The bureau said that the situation is a challenge to statistics bodies nationwide and is a test to see if they can speak the truth.

　　The central government needs accurate, practical and exact reports and statistics and even the slightest cover-up should not be allowed, the newspaper quoted the bureau as saying.

　　The bureau said that officials who cover up the facts will be punished in line with the Law on Statistics.