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Shenzhen Municipal People's Government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation held a meeting today (April 24) in Shenzhen. Both sides exchanged their experience in implementing port health measures at the border control points. They also agreed to enhance co-operation in a bid to control the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) more effectively.
Members of the HKSAR delegations included the Deputy Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, and Deputy Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Wong. Two sides reached consensus in the following areas:
1. Shenzhen and HKSAR will each install 15 infrared thermal imaging machines at both sides of Lowu control point on April 26. Each side will screen its incoming passengers.
2. 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.
3. Both sides agreed to enhance communication and co-operation by having regular visits and exchange of information, with an aim to tightening up mutual cooperation in implementing preventive and measures against SARS.
Dr P Y Lam said that the infrared thermal imaging machines to be installed at the control points are very useful for screening purpose. If a passenger is found to have temperature higher than normal level, he would need to have his temperature taken again to ascertain if he has fever.
The Shenzhen group included Vice Secretary General of Shenzhen Munipal People's Government, Mr Tang Yao Zhi, and representatives of Shenzhen Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Members of the HKSAR delegation comprised representatives from the Department of Health, Security Bureau, Immigration Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
Mayor of Shenzhen, Mr Yu Yaojun, also met Shenzhen and HKSAR members during the meeting. He said both sides attach great importance to the quarantine measures at the border and praised the efforts of the officers of two sides in combating SARS.
End/Thursday, April 24, 2003
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