May 2, 2003	Friday	Safar 29, 1424

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DUBAI, May 1: The UAE is using high-tech thermal scanners and infrared cameras at its airports to spot SARS-infected passengers.

Meanwhile authorities have contradicted rumours in the Emirates about “SARS cases detected in the country even about patients said to be quarantined in public hospitals.”

The UAE health department is said to be working in close collaboration with the aviation authorities in preventing the disease from reaching its borders.

There was only one case of an American with SARS-like symptoms. He was quarantined for 10 days but was discharged after it proved to be a false alarm.

Last month, five passengers, who were suspected of carrying the disease, were all successfully dealt with and discharged after they were found free from the virus.

“All incoming passengers are being screened by qualified medical teams by coordinated efforts with the airport authorities,” a health official was quoted by Gulf News as saying.

According to media reports, Dubai authorities have rejected a proposal to ban entry of passengers coming from countries like China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada, where the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is widely spread.

Earlier, the government also ruled out a suggestion to make a “health certificate” mandatory for passengers coming from SARS- affected countries.