Officials from Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the Chinese mainland agreed to enhance co-operation in a bid to control the spread of SARS more effectively, according to news reaching Hong Kong Thursday.
The two sides exchanged their experience in implementing port health measures at the border control points during a meeting Thursday in Shenzhen, which is adjacent to Hong Kong.
Two sided also reached consensus that Shenzhen and Hong Kong will each install 15 infrared thermal imaging machines at both sides of Lo Wu control point on April 26 to screen its incoming passengers.
It was agreed upon that each side will also install some 200 infrared thermal imaging machines at the immigration counters at all boundary control points to check the temperature of incoming passengers. The installation is expected to be completed by mid-May.
The two sides also agreed to enhance communication and co-operation by having regular visits and exchange of information, with an aim to tighten up mutual cooperation in implementing preventive measures against SARS.
Members of the HKSAR delegations included the Deputy Director of Health P Y Lam, and Deputy Secretary for Security Michael Wong.
If a passenger is found to have temperature higher than the normal level, he would need to have his temperature taken again to ascertain if he has fever, Lam said.
Mayor of Shenzhen Yu Youjun also met HKSAR members during the meeting.
(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2003)
