Airport security check head keeps city safe
Wu Ge, director of the No. 2 security check department at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, works at the passenger security check waiting area.
Wu Ge, director of the No. 2 security check department at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, is among those working to stem the spread of coronavirus through one of the city's key transport hubs.
The 46-year-old retired People's Liberation Army soldier recently led the security check team as they screened every inbound traveler from overseas, directed their entry procedures and escorted them to quarantine sites or to transferring flights.
The team escorted about 2,000 travelers on international flights per day between March 7 and 28 as the city expanded its list of key affected nations and regions by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Shanghai eventually announced that all inbound travelers on overseas flights must undergo 14-day quarantine, Wu actually felt a bit relieved because his team didn't have to screen and categorize large numbers of arrivals.
"I had mixed feelings after our mission was accomplished, because my team had been prepared to fight a long-term campaign," Wu said.
"The security check team has been trained as an army that is always ready to accept new challenges," he added.
Shanghai had reported a total of 279 imported cases as of Monday, among which 118 have been discharged upon recovery and 161 are still hospitalized, including one in critical condition. Another 36 suspected imported cases are undergoing tests.
Wu and most of his colleagues are currently back at their original posts. Wu is now responsible for security checks of outbound travelers on domestic flights at the T1 terminal of the Pudong airport.
The number of inbound passengers on international flights to Shanghai has been reduced as airlines cut international routes. Wu has asked his staff to enhance and streamline security check procedures to ensure safety, while also better serving passengers during the pandemic.
The frequency of inspecting carry-on luggage among departing travelers has been increased. A pre-check point has been set up at the enhance of the arrival hall of the T1 terminal to inform passengers of what cannot be taken onto aircraft.
Some common anti-virus items, such as hand sterilizers with over 70 percent alcohol and high-grade disinfectants, are prohibited in either carry-on or check-in luggage. Each passenger is allowed to take a mercury thermometer, but it must be placed in their check-in luggage.
As a further precaution, only half of the security check channels are open now with wider intervals among travelers. They are also reminded to keep a distance between each other when waiting for the security check.
"The security check channels are disinfected every hour, while the lounges for security check staff are disinfected every three hours," Wu said.
"One lesson I learned in the army was to protect yourself before destroying the enemy," Wu said.
To ensure the safety of his staff, Wu launched several rounds of training about protection measures and information. He also made a video about how to properly wear protective gear.
Each staff member must undergo two temperature checks per day. Staff fitting rooms and lockers are disinfected with ultraviolet rays.
Wu also arranged mental health consultations for employees from Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, the former epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China.
Wu Ge works at the security checkpoint of the Pudong airport.
Screening inbound travelers
The most challenging period began on March 7, when Wu and over 500 security check staff were dispatched to immigration checkpoints for inbound travelers on international flights.
Their first task was to convert a restaurant in the terminal building into a waiting area for transfer passengers on international flights. A walking route also had to be designed to prevent contact with other arrivals.
"We encountered great physical and mental pressure at that time," Wu said. "My colleagues and I usually ate only one meal per day," he added.
Led by Wu, the separate waiting area was established within three hours.
To escort arriving travelers to quarantine sites or designated transport, they had to walk between 30,000 and 60,000 steps per day. After taking off their hazmat suits, most security check staff were drenched in sweat.
Aside from strict prevention measures, Wu also led his team provide service to travelers coming from abroad who might be anxious.
For instance, Wu helped an overseas Chinese from Australia coordinate with her airline to change her following flight from Hongqiao to Pudong to make it more convenient for the senior passenger who was traveling with her 3-year-old grandson.
"At the beginning, she expressed dissatisfaction due to the strict prevention measures, but sent a short message to thank us after her following trip was properly arranged," Wu said.
He usually had to make or answer hundreds of phone calls to coordinate with Shanghai Customs, airlines and officials from local districts and neighboring provinces to solve problems for travelers from abroad.
Wu Ge inspects the protective gear of a security check staff at the Pudong airport.
Better services
The Pudong airport is also offering luggage delivery and medical consultation along with other new services for overseas arrivals.
The luggage delivery service is available now for passengers with China Eastern and Spring airlines who might be sent to designated locations for nucleic acid tests after getting off their plane.
These passengers can scan a QR code to enter their luggage information, and airport staff will contact and delivery the baggage to the required address.
The airport authority has also opened an Emergency Point of Care between the T1 and T2 terminals of the Pudong airport. Passengers can request physical examination or medical consultation at this site.
Inside the terminal buildings, multilingual signage has been added at the main entrances and throughout the quarantine process for inbound travelers. Passengers can also scan a QR code displayed around the terminal buildings to register their personal information beforehand.
Hot water, hand sterilizer, alcohol wipes and phone chargers have been prepared at the pick-up spots of the city's 16 districts as well as neighboring Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces at the terminal buildings. Free snacks have also been offered in case travelers have to wait for a long time after landing.
All inbound passengers arriving in Shanghai are currently required to undergo a 14-day quarantine for medical observation at designated sites as part of the city's COVID-19 prevention measures.
They are also required to undergo nucleic acid tests before being sent to quarantine, or to a medical facility if their test results are positive.
Wu Ge works at the security checkpoint of the Pudong airport.
