Medical workers at Shenzhen checkpoints began checking temperatures of cross-border travelers Saturday.

The temperature check is aimed at preventing the spread of flu across the border.

In addition, the Shenzhen Municipal Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau deployed more staff to check the temperatures of the elderly and young children, who are more vulnerable to flu. Staff also began monitoring air quality in the border area more frequently.

Lanes for students at the Luohu and Huanggang checkpoints were temporary closed after neighboring Hong Kong closed all primary schools and kindergartens for two weeks from Thursday. The closure came after four children in Hong Kong died of flu.

Yuanling Primary School in Shenzhen closed one class after 11 students in Grade Two came down with flu.

(Shanghai Daily March 17, 2008)