The Chinese government will allocate 5 billion yuan for a special fund to prevent a possible A/H1N1 outbreak. Premier Wen Jiabao made the pledge at a State Council meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. He said China remains on alert for the virus and called on local governments to take concrete measures.

A Chinese citizen waits for boarding at Benito Juarez international airport in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, May 5, 2009. A total of 79 Chinese citizens left Mexico City early Tuesday aboard a chartered flight sent by the Chinese government. The plane took off from Mexico City, heading towards Tijuana, northern Mexico, to lift 20 more Chinese before returning to China. [David De la Paz/Xinhua]

The premier said China will strengthen quarantine checks at airports and land borders, trace visitors from virus-struck countries and regions, and sanitize public transport.

Wen Jiabao said relevant departments and watchdog organizations must report new cases in a timely and accurate manner in order to ensure transparency in reporting the disease.

The Premier also said local governments should designate certain hospitals for quarantine measures in the event of future cases. He added that medical experts should intensify their efforts in vaccination and anti-viral drug research.

He said China must work closely with other countries and international organizations to cope with the spread of the virus.

Strengthen quarantine checks at airports and land borders, trace visitors from virus-struck areas, and sanitize public transport.

Watchdogs must report new cases in a timely and accurate manner. There must be no cover-up of the disease.

Local governments should designate certain hospitals for quarantine.

Medical experts redouble their efforts in vaccination and anti-viral drug research. China will cooperate with other countries and international organizations.

(CCTV May 6, 2009)