Press Release - April 13, 2003

To contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Department of Health (DH) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is introducing an additional precautionary measure for departing passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport.

The HKSAR Economic Development and Labour Bureau, the HKSAR Airport Authority, airline companies, DH and other departments of HKSAR as well as parties concerned held a meeting this morning (April 13) to work out details of a plan to measure body temperature of departing passengers as announced by the HKSAR Chief Executive last Friday (April 11).

The objective is to further strengthen our efforts in controlling the spread of the SARS by preventing people likely to be infected from leaving Hong Kong.

The HKSAR Airport Authority and airlines have shown tremendous support to the stepped-up measure. They have pledged to provide assistance in carrying out the scheme at the airport. The measure is expected to be implemented in the coming week.

International travellers should be aware of the main symptoms of SARS which include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Persons who experience these symptoms are advised to see a doctor and postpone their trip.

For updated information and latest news on respiratory tract infections, please visit the special home page on the subject at www.info.gov.hk/info/infection-e.htm, and the HKSAR Department of Health website at www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm as well as the e-bulletin at www.news.gov.hk/en/index.shtml.