China adopts, defends strict quarantine amid flu threat

Source: Xinhua | 05-06-2009 08:09

by Xinhua writer Lv Chuanzhong

BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- With the influenza A/H1N1 already spreading to more than 20 countries and regions, China is taking swift actions to keep the deadly virus at bay, while both the world health body and the country itself have defended the strict quarantine policies the government has adopted.

Passengers of T98 train go through customs at Beijing West  Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, May 5, 2009.  T98 train connecting Kowloon and Beijing arrived here  Tuesday. This was the first arrival of a train from Hong  Kong in Beijing since the first human influenza A/H1N1  case was confirmed in Hong Kong, south China, on May 1.  (Xinhua/Gao Xueyu)

CABINET DECISION

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

Vehicles and cargo from flu-affected countries and regions will be disinfected, it said in a statement after a meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The central government will allot 5 billion yuan (725 million U.S. dollars) for flu prevention and control, it said.

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.