The arrival and departure lounges at both Hongqiao Airport and Pudong International Airport were disinfected last night, as was air-circulation equipment.

"Airplanes and airports are the first gate to stop the spread of SARS," said Chen Xinyao, vice director of the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, which has established a quick response plan to combat the disease.

Since last Thursday, all airplanes are required to inform passengers about current developments with SARS in Shanghai and provide information on prevention and treatment of the disease before landing.

Flight attendants are also required to keep a close eye on passengers showing possible symptoms of the disease, such as a high fever or coughing. If any passenger shows these symptoms, the pilot must report the case to the airport before landing, and the plane will be directed to park in a special area several hundred meters from other planes.

Medical experts and airport officials will arrive at the plane to transfer the suspected patient to an observation ward in the airport for further diagnosis.

Other passengers on the plane will be asked if they have any symptoms of the illness, and will be required to provide contact information so authorities can track them down in the event more passengers become sick.

"We will closely follow the passengers and give them a contact card with the address and telephone number of medical facilities providing treatment for SARS," said Chen.

"The broadcast on the airplane told us about the situation regarding SARS in Shanghai and the necessary information about the disease and how and where to receive medical advice in the city if we develop any symptoms," said a passenger from Hong Kong. "I feel relieved and I am not as anxious as before."

Subway cars and taxis around the city are also being disinfected regularly to prevent the disease from spreading.

While the disease has hurt tourism across Asia, foreign travelers are still arriving in Shanghai.

A 22-member package tour group from the US state of California arrived in the city on Monday night, with only four people canceling their trip. While every member of the group was given masks to wear, none did.

"I check news about SARS every day, and wash my hands frequently, but I don't want to wear the mask - it looks funny," said Stephanie Huskins, who came with her husband and 7-year-old daughter.

"My three children thought I was crazy to go on a tour of China, but the safe situation here proves my choice was right," said Sally Curd, 82, the oldest member of the group.

The group will travel to several cities around the country, but did cancel a trip to Hong Kong due to fears about the disease.

(eastday.com April 9, 2003)