The government on Thursday decided to screen passengers from all countries arriving at the airports in the country for symptoms of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome rather than limiting it to those from where the virus has been reported, officials in New Delhi said.

This is being done in view of SARS being reported from more countries -- 18 in all, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Bhavani Thyagrajan said.

"No case has been reported in the country," she said, adding the government has also decided that all passengers disembarking in India need to fill a proforma, which is being finalised.

It would take care of even the incubation period and people would be advised to report to the authorities if they develop symptoms related to the SARS later, National Institute of Communicable Diseases Director Shiv Lal said.

He said the diagnostic kit for the infection would be available in the country in a day or two and the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research has been asked to procure it through the World Health Oorganisation, Lal added.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 4 Sub: SARC India Government Must stop inbound flights from SARS affected Countries for a short time.It may be possible that this will be long enough.It can Affect ... Posted by Vinay Kumar Mishra Sub: The SARC virus. Has it occurred to anyone that this deadly virus could have been planted by somebody who wants to destroy the economic strength of China and ... Posted by Rebecca Sub: SARS This will be a foolish idea. One should be careful before implementing this, ie screening every pasenger arriving in india. What will be the response ... Posted by Dr. Narendran Sub: Excellent Measure THis is an excellent measure on the part of Govt of India. Prevention is better than Cure. Ahead of the rest of th world. But ... Posted by Mukesh Mirchandani