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| Chinese immigration fight to contain SARS |
| CCTV.COM 2003-05-11 10:05:32 |
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In a globalized world, effectively containing SARS requires coordinated efforts by all nations. Much of that relies on tracking the spread of disease among the population on the move. For this reason, the Chinese government has installed stringent measures at exit and entry ports around the country.
Aircraft disinfection, medical check－ups, these extraordinary measures have become a common scene at Beijing International Airport since the onset of the fight against SARS. This international traffic hub, like many others around the world, is experiencing the most daunting responsibility in recent memory.
Passengers entering China have to fill in a health statement on board their aircraft. Upon landing they will then go through infrared detectors, which monitor their body temperatures.
"We have set up special channels for passengers from SARS infected areas. Infrared detectors have been installed to monitor passengers' body temperatures. We also separately keep health statements of passengers from infected areas. Moreover, special rooms have been cleared in case of an emergency, including rooms for quarantine and for diagnosis," said Zhao Liangguang, deputy director of Traveler Quarantine at Beijing Int'l Airport.
The infrared detector above these channels will screen out any passenger with a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.
"When the temperature is above the line, a red light will appear. This one is due to the warm air the passenger breathes out, because he is wearing a mask. But if the red light had appeared on his forehead, then the passenger would have been quarantined," said Zhao Liangguang.
The inspection for departing passengers is as rigorous. In addition to the medical check－ups already required of them in China, they have to submit an additional health declaration form upon arrival at the airport. This process makes for a longer boarding time, but most of the passengers express their willingness to cooperate.
"Although it's a bit more troublesome, I think it's important and necessary. Several minutes more will ensure greater safety," said a passenger.
"I think it is a good idea for screening and prevention. It is effective for containing the spread of the virus," said another passenger.
According to official sources, more than 400 infrared detectors have been installed in all first and second grade ports around the nation. Meanwhile, half of the 30,000 inspection and quarantine workers are on the frontline of SARS prevention, and work is particularly demanding in the nearly 100 key points of international arrival and departure.
"These include key airports and harbors, and ports bordering Hong Kong and China's neighboring countries. Although no SARS cases have been reported in some, we still apply the most stringent measures," said Li Changjiang, director of State Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine Adm..
These efforts have proven effective. As of May 7, more than 600 suspected SARS patients have been discovered through check－ups at the ports. Five were later confirmed with SARS.
"Effectively monitoring the traveling population is key to containing the spread of SARS in a much interrelated world. In establishing these and other rigorous measures in the hubs connecting China to the outside world, the Chinese government is endeavoring to demonstrate that it is a government not only responsible for its own people, but for people everywhere around the world.
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Editor: Han Ling CCTV.com
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