Chinese quarantine departments have issued orders to step up inspections on overseas mail after several letters suspected to contain the deadly anthrax bacterium were discovered in the United States, the Beijing Youth Daily reported Sunday.
Routine regulations on the quarantine and health inspections on express mail will be strictly enforced, while inspection of sample items, gifts and non-commercial items will be stepped up, the report said, citing the State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine.
All other incoming and outgoing express mail would be subject to random checks, it said.
The United States was gripped by mounting fears of bioterrorism after one man died and several others tested positive for anthrax, while envelopes containing suspicious substances were sent to several organizations.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/15/2001)
