China steps up monkeypox procedures, calling on travellers to announce contact with cases
- WHO deems the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern as the virus is reported in over 75 countries
- Close contacts are called to step forward to declare potential exposure and importers are urged to sanitise goods, containers and vehicles
![China’s General Administration of Customs has announced new prevention measures in an attempt to stop monkeypox being introduced into China. Photo: CDC via AP](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2022/07/25/29bf20b0-4160-48a7-a469-ccdc81f923a4_bff4b58a.jpg?itok=JrB7QKx8&v=1658740053)
The General Administration of Customs on Sunday announced new prevention measures in an attempt to stop the disease being introduced into China.
The announcement said people travelling from countries with monkeypox outbreaks who had been exposed to cases or had symptoms of monkeypox should voluntarily declare their contact to customs when entering the country.
People bringing all means of transport from countries with monkeypox outbreaks who were either infected or suspected of being infected with the disease, as well as the owners of containers and goods, should carry out prescribed sanitation treatments, the notice said.
Customs says it will change port prevention and control measures and procedures “in real time”, depending on the state of the outbreak.
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