Air China has adopted strict measures to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Since March 20, out of 2.6 million Air China passengers, there has been no reported case of flight-related SARS infection, and to date, none of the airline's employees in Beijing have suffered from cross-infection.

Air China took a series of effective measures, including thorough disinfection and ventilation of all flights coming to Beijing beginning March 25. Flights that returned to other locations were disinfected by local airports.

The airline also provided masks, medicine and disinfectant on board on demand.

So far, Air China has disinfected over 1,300 flights and issued over 70,000 masks.

Crew members were also urged to take measures against SARS, and their temperature was taken before boarding.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2003)