A leading business group estimates that cancelled events and closure of movie theatres, night clubs, museums and other establishments to prevent the spread of swine flu is costing Mexico City at least $57 million a day.

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

He says the estimate was made before the city government expanded the shutdown 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.