Joint Resolution
ASEAN+3 Aviation Forum on the Prevention and Containment of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

The Aviation authorities from the ASEAN and China, Japan and Korea met on 15-16 May 2003, Clarke Special Economic Zone, Pampanga, Philippines and agreed to undertake the following measures:

  • Screening for Departing Passengers

i.  Standardised Health Declaration Card

Departing passengers are to complete a Health Declaration Card before checking-in for their flight. The Health Declaration Card shall contain the following elements:

  • Passenger's name, nationality and passport number
  • Flight information
  • 3 basic questions recommended by the WHO
  • Signature of the passenger

The Health Declaration Card for departing passengers shall be implemented by 15 June 2003

ii.  Temperature screening for departing passengers

ASEAN countries, China and Korea shall as far as practicable implement temperature screening of passengers departing from their international airports by 15 August 2003.  Passengers who show symptoms of SARS will be advised to postpone travel and seek medical attention.

  • Screening for Arriving Passengers

i.  Standardised Health Declaration Card

Arriving passengers are required to complete a Health Declaration Card to facilitate contact tracing by the local Health authorities when necessary

ii.  Temperature Screening for arriving passengers from SARS affected areas

Arriving passengers coming from SARS affected areas shall be subjected to temperature screening at the airport of arrival.

iii.  No denial of entry for passengers suspected of SARS

All passengers suspected of having SARS should not be denied entry into the country of arrival. The country of arrival should refer the individual to health or quarantine authorities  for appropriate medical treatment

  • Customs procedures for Medical Equipment and Supplies Related to SARS

Recommend that the customs authorities should give priority clearance to medical equipment and supplies imported by the ASEAN + 3 countries for SARS-related purposes.

  • Managing SARS Suspect or Probable Cases

ASEAN + 3 countries shall follow the guidelines periodically issued by the WHO for managing passengers who may be SARS suspect or probable cases.

  • Sharing of Records for Contact Tracing Purposes

Relevant authorities of ASEAN +3 shall exchange information on arriving and departing passengers upon request, specifically for contact tracing purposes and related operations to  prevent and contain SARS.

Recommend that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as the supervising body over airports, be informed of the common procedures reached in this Joint Resolution.

We call on other countries to come together in the spirit of cooperation and similar resolve to standardise procedures in related areas to prevent the spread of SARS.
                                                                                                                        "