The Ministry of Communications (MOC)issued an emergency circular on
Thursday demanding local traffic departments enhance administration
of rural traffic to curb the possible spread of contagious disease
to China's rural areas.
The circular noted that rural bus stations and ports constitute the
critical links to prevent the infectious severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) from spreading to the country's rural areas.
The buses, ships and boats used for rural traffic, according to the
circular, are required to undergo strict, adequate and effective
disinfection before carrying passengers.
The bus stations and ports, said the circular, would be soon
equipped with infrared thermometers. Passengers would all be
subject to their body temperature checks before they board any
rural vehicles.
The circular also urged the related local traffic departments to
strengthen their supervision of passenger transportation.
Educational lectures on SARS should be held regularly for the
traffic management and driving crew members.
Moreover, the circular underlined in particular that traffic
vehicles have to stop at designated places during rural trade
fairs, warning that any violators would be subject to serious
penalties.
(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2003)
