Wednesday, May 13, 2009
RIYADH: With the swine flu epidemic spreading and new cases being reported in the Middle East, plans are under way to install thermal cameras at all entry points to the Kingdom to monitor passengers who might be carrying the influenza virus, the Health Ministry said yesterday.
The digital surveillance cameras will monitor people coming from infected areas by land, sea and air, Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Mirghalani said.
He said a scientific committee that was formed to prevent any possible outbreak of the flu was currently studying the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to install thermal cameras.
He said a scientific committee that was formed to prevent any possible outbreak of the flu was currently studying the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to install thermal cameras.
“We are also following instructions given by the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control, which has been monitoring the disease from the beginning,” the spokesman said.
“All 20 health regions in the Kingdom have been alerted and quarantine officials who will operate the thermal cameras at all entry points will be alert for passengers from affected countries,” he said, adding that the ministry’s laboratories are equipped to conduct clinical examinations on a 24/7 basis.
He pointed out that the ministry had also set up a toll-free telephone line — 800 249 4444 — for the provision of relevant information and clarification to the public and also to inform citizens and residents of the services offered by the ministry.
Mirghalani said, “The Health Ministry will also launch a Kingdomwide awareness campaign concerning the disease.”
He added that a special meeting of GCC health ministers would be held in Riyadh on May 9 to discuss uniform measures.
“All 20 health regions in the Kingdom have been alerted and quarantine officials who will operate the thermal cameras at all entry points will be alert for passengers from affected countries,” he said, adding that the ministry’s laboratories are equipped to conduct clinical examinations on a 24/7 basis.
He pointed out that the ministry had also set up a toll-free telephone line — 800 249 4444 — for the provision of relevant information and clarification to the public and also to inform citizens and residents of the services offered by the ministry.
Mirghalani said, “The Health Ministry will also launch a Kingdomwide awareness campaign concerning the disease.”
He added that a special meeting of GCC health ministers would be held in Riyadh on May 9 to discuss uniform measures.
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