Screening procedure has been implemented in the seven Health Centers since the mid of April in accordance with the instruction given by World Health Organization, the Health Bureau said today (28) April.

The Health Bureau said in a press release that aim of the screening procedure is to isolate SARS sufferers as soon as possible and thus to protect public health.

According to the press release, the eight health center had handled 205 patients with fever after the implementation of the screening procedure, 13 of which had been directed to the emergency room but none of them were found to have contracted SARS.

With the screening procedure, patients with fever would first have their body temperature taken and were asked to put on the mask. Those suspected to have contracted SARS are required to put on protective gear and then be taken to hospital for further check up by ambulance at once.

The health center where the suspected sufferer had visited and the staff that have contacted with the patients were disinfected immediately.

Meanwhile, portable infrared thermometer has been introduced to the Health Center on 25 April.

Up to 28 April, no SARS case has been found in Macao.