Hong Kong Department of Health will check the temperature for passengers departing from the Hong Kong -- Macao Ferry Terminal and the ferry terminal to the Chinese mainland.

The measure is part of the government's strategy to further contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a spokesman for the department said Thursday.

At both terminals, members of the Auxiliary Medical Service will be responsible for taking the body temperature of passengers. The Immigration Department and relevant parties will provide support and assistance.

"Those suspected of having SARS will be referred to hospitals for further management," the spokesman said, adding "all people with a fever, or who do not feel well, should not travel."

Hong Kong departments concerned have already been taking body temperatures for passengers arriving and departing Hong Kong at the airport and the land check points since late April.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2003)