ICAO endorses Hong Kong airport's anti-SARS measures

The International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) has fully endorsed measures in place at Hong Kong International Airport to prevent any re-emergence of SARS.

The ICAO Anti-SARS Airport Evaluation Project was completed at the airport over three days from 6 - 9 July. The World Health Organisation has already ruled that Hong Kong is SARS free.

The project's parameters were developed jointly by the ICAO, the World Health Organization and the International Air Transport Association. Measures to screen passengers and airport staff, passengers' access to information about SARS and procedures for handling any suspected case both on board an aircraft and upon arrival were all examined.

All ground operations at Hong Kong International Airport, including those of Cathay Pacific, were found to fully comply with ICAO standards. Temperature checking at the airport is mandatory for all departing, arriving or transiting passengers as it is for crew and all staff who enter the departure, arrival or transit areas.

The organisation aims to inspect as many international airports as possible. Hong Kong was among the first to participate. The ICAO team will next examine Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Corporate Communication Alan Wong said: "Hong Kong and the entire Asia region are SARS-free, yet Cathay Pacific will remain vigilant to protect the health of all our passengers and staff and ensure that the disease will not become a problem again. The results of ICAO's evaluation are testament to the fact that the strictest measures are in place in Hong Kong and that no one is taking their responsibilities lightly or letting their guard down."

In a press conference held earlier today in Bangkok, Rex Chang, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore said that the screening of passengers and other factors in place to ensure continued vigilance towards SARS will be in place for at least a year.