China Steps Up Fight Against Atypical Pneumonia Along Chinese-Russian Border

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has started implementing additional measures in order to stop the spread of atypical pneumonia in territories, which border on Russia. This was disclosed to a RIA Novosti today by PRC consul-general in Khabarovsk Cheng Guoping.

In his words, medical posts have been established at all bus stations and railroad stations, as well as at border-line check-points, for the purpose of checking those, who cross the border.

According to the consul-general, a national headquarters for implementing preventive measures and treating atypical pneumonia has been established under the State Council's auspices in Beijing. 30 working groups have been set up under this headquarters. A severe acute respiratory syndrome foundation has been established, receiving 2 billion yuans. Three groups of specialists have been sent to China's provinces for the sake of rendering preventive aid.

As of April 28, 3,106 atypical-pneumonia cases (including 653 sick medical workers) were registered all over continental China, the consul-general noted. 1,199 cases were registered in Beijing; and another 1,395 cases were registered in Guangdong province. One person, who is suspected of having atypical pneumonia, was hospitalized in Heilongjiang province, which borders on Russia's Khabarovsk territory, Amur region and its Jewish autonomous region. Moreover, one case of atypical pneumonia was registered in Liaoning province.