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China continues strict quarantine policies

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-05 21:14

BEIJING - China will continue to impose strict medical examinations and follow-up checks on travelers from flu-affected countries and regions to prevent influenza A/H1N1, said the State Council here Tuesday.

Vehicles and cargo from flu-affected countries and regions will be disinfected, the State Council, or China's Cabinet, said after a meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

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China must keep highly alert as it is still facing the threat from influenza A/H1N1, which has spread to more than 20 countries and regions, according to a State Council statement issued after the meeting.

The central government will allot 5 billion yuan (US$725 million) for flu prevention and control, the statement said.

The State Council reiterated that health departments must report suspected cases without delay or cover-up.

It asked local health authorities to designate certain hospitals for quarantine and treatment of flu patients and expand stock of related drugs and medical devices.

The government will also step up research of vaccines and medicines, including alternative treatments of traditional Chinese medicine, according to the statement.

The mainland will cooperate with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and China will provide financial and technical support for countries and regions that need assistance, the statement said.

The agriculture authorities would tighten monitoring of pig farms, slaughterhouses and livestock markets, it said.

The State Council also called for more education campaigns so that people will better understand influenza A/H1N1.