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)