China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations passed an
action plan yesterday in Beijing to strengthen immigration and
quarantine cooperation in controlling the spread of
SARS.
The immigration and quarantine authorities from China and the 10
ASEAN countries passed the Entry-Exit Quarantine Action Plan for
Controlling the Spread of SARS by Governments of the People's
Republic of China and ASEAN.
According to the action plan, the parties shall strengthen the
health quarantine measures for travelers at immigration check
points, and station medical professionals and relevant checking and
protective devices and facilities at such points.
Travelers are to accept temperature screening checks and necessary
medical inquiry for SARS, and complete a health declaration card.
Should the parties discover possible SARS patients among arriving
travelers, the party of departure shall be notified in the quickest
manner, the action plan says.
Should the parties find any possible SARS patient at its own
immigration points, the individual shall be referred to health or
quarantine authorities for appropriate isolation and treatment.
The conveyances boarded by the SARS patient shall be strictly
disinfected.
If
possible SARS patients occur among passengers or crew members
during the voyage of ships of the parties, the carrier may contact
the nearest port authority and stop at the nearest harbor for
emergency medical treatment.
The parties will grant priority customs facilitation to the
medicines, chemical and biological agents, medical devices,
equipment and protective facilities used for the prevention and
treatment of SARS.
The plan also requires the parties to create an effective close
cooperation mechanism and exchange know-ledge on the prevention and
treatment of SARS.
(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2003)