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Mr Albert Lam, Director-General of Civil Aviation today (June 27) said that the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) had invited a team of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) experts to conduct a three-day inspection visit beginning July 7 to assess the implementation of Anti-SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) measures at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The visit will be conducted as part of the ICAO Anti-SARS Airport Evaluation Project. Areas of evaluation consist of specific procedures for screening of passengers and airport workers; information access to all passengers about SARS and guidance on handling of suspected cases on board and at destination. It aims at preventing the spread of SARS through air travel to and from participating international airports. The Team will assess HKIA's implementation and compliance with Anti-SARS measures. A report on the inspection's findings and recommendations will be provided to CAD, which issues an aerodrome licence to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for the safe and efficient operation of HKIA.
The Team of ICAO experts is composed of an aviation medical expert and a passenger ground handling expert.
At present, temperature checking of all passengers, whether departing, arriving or transiting Hong Kong is mandatory at HKIA. Passengers are also required to fill out health declaration forms.
"Hong Kong is amongst one of the first batch of cities to participate in the ICAO Anti-SARS Airport Evaluation Project. I am confident that through the inspection visit, the ICAO experts will find the health screening procedures and Anti-SARS measures implemented at HKIA appropriate, and that they are implemented efficiently and consistently. I trust our airport is in compliance with Anti-SARS protective measures," Mr Lam said.
During their stay in Hong Kong, the ICAO experts will meet representatives of CAD, Department of Health and AAHK.
End/Friday, June 27, 2003
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