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)
