Officers put duty first for COVID-19 inspections

Strict procedures

The procedures are strict, as each inbound person needs to provide necessary information, including telephone numbers and addresses, which increases the workload.

The work environment is also challenging. The officers must be well-prepared and arrive at their checkpoint 40 minutes before each flight lands, then spend four to five hours checking every plane.

"During summer, the temperature on the apron is about 40 to 50 C, and it can be extremely hot in our protective suits. In winter, the temperature is about -20 C, but we still sweat in the suits. It is very uncomfortable when we take them off and are exposed to the cold weather while still sweating," Shi said.

After each shift, she and her colleagues undergo a number of disinfectant procedures.

"We are at risk when we interact with passengers. Some of those we check, who show no symptoms of infection, may test positive during their quarantine period. Sometimes, we need to conduct face-to-face checks on passengers who have a fever before sending them to the hospital for tests," she said.

Shi added she was often touched when passengers who had been overseas for a long time said they had returned safely to meet with their families for Spring Festival. It made her feel that her hard work had been worthwhile.

"I can see the passengers' trust in China from the expressions on the faces of both Chinese and foreign visitors entering the airport. At that moment, I feel so proud to be Chinese. More importantly, I feel a greater obligation to devote myself to my work as we are the first group of people that passengers meet when they enter China. I want them to have a good impression," she said.