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With effect from tomorrow (May 21), the Department of Health will check the temperature of people departing for the Mainland by through trains from the Hung Hom Station.
The measure is part of the government's strategy to further contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a spokesman for the department said today (May 20).
The spokesman said the measure would cause some inconvenience to travelers, but he hoped they would understand that it was an essential measure for their own sake and that of the community.
Members of the Auxiliary Medical Service will be responsible for taking the body temperature of passengers. The Immigration Department and relevant parties will provide support and assistance.
"Those suspected of having SARS will be referred to hospitals for further management," the spokesman said, adding that: "All people with a fever, or who do not feel well, should not travel."
"As the arrangement may take time, departing passengers are advised to arrive at the Hung Hom Station early, the spokesman said.
End/Tuesday, May 20, 2003
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