Twu inspects Kinmen's defenses

Department of Health Director-General Twu Shing-jer (涂醒哲) traveled to Kinmen yesterday to learn about quarantine operations and to determine local needs.

Twu expressed the hope that Kinmen, where there are frequent exchanges with China under the "three small links," can effectively weave a comprehensive network against the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Twu, accompanied by Chen Tsai-chin (陳再晉), director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and officials of the Mainland Affairs Council listened to a briefing by Kinmen Magistrate Lee Chu-feng (李柱烽) on the local quarantine procedures.

Twu also visited Shuitou Wharf to learn firsthand about the customs operations there.

The CDC has installed a quarantine station at the wharf's passenger service center and has increased the number of staff there from one to six.

Passengers clearing customs must first undergo a disinfection process, with the center offering antiseptic mouthwash, alcohol-based hand soap and body temperature measuring services.

Twu also met with Kinmen residents later in the day to hear their views and discuss their needs in stemming SARS.

Because of Kinmen's close exchanges with China, some have suggested that the government temporarily halt the "three small links."