New Lists of Infectious Diseases Prompting Border Quarantine Measures Implemented

Recently, two comprehensive listings of infectious diseases that will be subject to border quarantine measures were implemented on Wednesday. These lists are designed to effectively minimize the spread of contagious illnesses while also ensuring that customs operations remain efficient, as stated by officials from the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention and the General Administration of Customs.

The first list contains 11 highly infectious and potentially deadly diseases, such as plague, cholera, yellow fever, and Ebola, requiring immediate quarantine at borders. Customs personnel are empowered to take preventive actions on the spot for anyone confirmed or suspected to be carrying these diseases, as well as to instantly alert local health authorities to arrange for the transfer of patients to hospitals designated for isolation and treatment.

The second list includes 26 diseases that necessitate close observation, among them COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, measles, and mpox. Customs officials will recommend that travelers showing possible symptoms of these illnesses seek medical attention in hospitals, which will give priority to these cases during screenings.

The introduction of these two lists follows a recent amendment to the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law, enacted in late June. This amendment mandates the development of lists to help identify infections in cross-border travelers, ensure appropriate medical responses, and implement effective control measures.

In a statement, the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention noted the importance of early surveillance for key infectious diseases at points of entry, asserting that this is crucial for detecting and preventing the cross-border spread of outbreaks. The agency underlined that the scope of the diseases listed aims to strike a balance between efficient disease prevention and the facilitation of customs processes.

Furthermore, in addition to tools like thermal scanning and medical patrols that are non-intrusive, further measures such as epidemiological investigations will be selectively applied only to travelers exhibiting unusual symptoms rather than to everyone. Customs officials have not only enhanced the quarantine protocols but also integrated smart tools to boost operational efficiency.

The administration also highlighted that customs, health, and disease control entities will strengthen their collaborative frameworks, promote the sharing of infection-related data at entry points, and provide more rigorous training for public health personnel and medical staff. By coordinating efforts, the goal is to streamline quarantine practices with health screenings and medical inspections, facilitating timely medical care for patients while preventing the further spread of infectious agents. Lastly, travelers crossing borders are reminded to disclose any abnormal health symptoms to customs and comply with quarantine protocols.