Domestic and foreign airline companies have adopted active measures
to contain the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
China's national flag carrier Air China has implemented thorough
disinfection and ventilation measures for aircraft arriving at
Beijing. All crew members are equipped with medicine and masks and
stricter measures have been taken to ensure food on board is
sanitary.
Air China has asked all passengers to be aware of their health
condition before boarding. If SARS symptoms were discovered,
passengers would not be able to board.
Singapore Airlines' Beijing office also announced similar measures
to prevent the spread of SARS on its aircraft.
If
unhealthy passengers were discovered, they would be asked whether
they had had contact with SARS patients. Crew members would have
their temperatures taken regularly and medical examinations
provided.
Masks would be provided on flights from Beijing, Guangzhou,
Shanghai and Hong Kong and if any passenger showed symptom of SARS,
flight attendants would be required to use gloves while
serving.
Seat cushions and even carpets would be removed from the area near
any person suspected to carry the disease.
Experts said modern aircraft were all equipped with cabin air
filter systems, which could prevent the recycling of bacteria and
viruses. Air was recycled every three minutes, so the chance of
contracting the virus was very low.
(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2003)