Two experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday
visited two international airports and a railway station in
Shanghai, China's biggest business hub, to learn about the city's
SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) prevention work.
The experts, who will make proposals to WHO regarding the lifting
of travel warnings to China, studied quarantine and health
declaration procedures and the treatment of passengers with a fever
or cough in Shanghai.
They were told that all passengers passing through the two airports
in Shanghai must fill in an Entry-Exit Health Declaration Card and
report their body temperatures. Only those whose temperatures are
lower than 37.5 degrees Celsius can leave.
Passengers with a fever will be taken to special wards for medical
treatment. All passengers' health information will be available
immediately on the computer network.
Hilary P Pereira, a public health policy expert from Britain and an
interim adviser to the WHO, was satisfied with the measures taken
by the two airports.
Pereira also visited a railway station with a daily handling
capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 in Shanghai.
Officials of the station said all passengers from six SARS-hit
areas are required to make health declarations and report body
temperature upon arrival, and all staff members are well-prepared
for SARS detection, prevention and related treatment.
The two experts, who arrived here Monday, also visited a foreign
vessel in Shanghai to learn about the SARS prevention measures they
have taken.
Before arriving here, the two experts visited an airport and a
railway station in Beijing.
(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2003)