China has strengthened border control measures for the containment of imported novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk, an official said on Monday.
Liu Haitao, with the National Immigration Administration (NIA), made the remarks at a news conference on China’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
He noted that the NIA has paid close attention to the epidemic situations in neighbouring countries.
Liu said the administration has established a working scheme to analyse related information and evaluate cross-border transmission risks.
“The NIA has improved cooperation with immigration agencies of neighbouring countries to advance coordinated border control measures,’’ Liu added.
Liu, stressing the efforts to minimise cross-border travel, said the NIA has also mobilised police to reinforce the fight against criminal activities, including illegal entry and exit, smuggling and drug trafficking, in cooperation with local authorities.
“The police also improved management on inbound travelers and foreign residents in China,’’ Liu said, calling for strengthened check and registration of cross-border travelers and vehicles.
Liu, aiming to prevent imported virus transmission from seaports, said the NIA continued to track ships on international routes to prevent illegal entry and stowaways.
“Port and shipping enterprises should guide people boarding international navigation ships to have epidemic prevention measures and reduce unnecessary contact.
“The NIA also scaled up cooperation with the coast guard, customer authorities and maritime safety administrations to fight against maritime smuggling activities,’’ Liu added. (Xinhua/NAN)
