Hong Kong Airport Fast to React Thanks to SARS

27 April 2009 (Last Updated April 27th, 2009 18:30)

Proving lessons had been learned from the SARS outbreak in 2003, Hong Kong has been quick to add tough measures at its airport and border crossings in response to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the US. Residents have been urged not to travel to Mexico and every traveller to and fr

Proving lessons had been learned from the SARS outbreak in 2003, Hong Kong has been quick to add tough measures at its airport and border crossings in response to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the US.

Residents have been urged not to travel to Mexico and every traveller to and from the city will be invariably tested.

Passengers arriving with symptoms of fever and respiratory illness will be admitted to hospital immediately.

Ever since the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003, Hong Kong has been using infrared scanners to measure the facial temperatures of all arrivals at its airport and at its border crossings.

The city has also expanded its flu research labs, already known as the best in the world.

By staff writer.