Shops will be closed in Shanghai Metro during Olympics

According to reports on 7 August 2008, all shops and businesses located in the Shanghai Metro system will be closed until the conclusion of the Olympic Games. Officials indicated that more than 1,000 shops will be closed. In addition, security measures have been increased, with checkpoints at all transportation hubs within the city. Additional reports issued by a number of private sectors indicated that the Great Wall and other tourist sites may be closed throughout the Games. Several open source blogs indicated that the Temple of Heaven, China Millennium Monument, the Badaling Great Wall and Jinshan Park will be closed on 5-8 August in order to accommodate the torch relay currently taking place. Areas along the Great Wall, specifically Juyongguan, will be closed from 7-15 August and Dadaling will be closed from 1100-1600 local time on 7 August as well as on 9-10 August, on 11 August from 1000-1500 local time and on 13 August for the entire day. Sources indicated that Mutianyu will not be affected by these closures. The Chinese government has yet to confirm these closures and there was no indication that the restrictions were due to any threats at these locations. Meanwhile, the Chinese government declared on 7 August that 8 August will be a public holiday for non-essential public workers in Beijing. Some businesses and government offices will be closed; however, all personnel necessary for "state activities" will be required to report to work.