Airlines Urged to Screen Sick Passengers

March 28, 2003

Airlines Urged to Screen Sick Passengers
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging airlines to screen sick passengers in an attempt to stop the spread of SARS.

According to USAToday.com, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport could be one of the first to begin screening departing passengers before boarding an airplane. Additionally, many Asian airlines have been encouraged to screen and ban travelers who exhibit symptoms of the illness.

The U.S. government is expected to announce stiff restrictions today banning all official visits to China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. To date, the mystery illness has affected a total of 1,408 individuals across the world, with the central focus remaining in China and Hong Kong. Fourty-five cases were reported in the United States and 28 were found in Canada.

To learn more, visit USAToday.com. To review speaking points on SARS, go to Crisis Planning Information.