China would impose stringent checks on people entering the country by air, land and sea in an attempt to prevent influenza A/H1N1 from spreading to the country, the top quality supervisor said on Saturday.

Anyone entering from places where the flu was reported should have their temperatures checked twice, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

According to the World Health Organization, 11 nations have reported influenza A/H1N1 cases: Mexico, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, Spain, Germany, Israel, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

People entering China from these areas must go through a separate channel upon arrival. The first check should be done at or before that point, while the second should be done at regular inspection channels.

People with temperature at or above 38 degrees Celsius must undergo further examination, and all arriving passengers and transportation staff must provide health information, the GAQSIQ said.

The administration ordered quarantine offices to conduct thorough sanitation of flights, ships and other vehicles, including waste.

Cargo and baggage on vehicles arriving from affected areas should also be examined.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2009)