Coronavirus UK: Are people screened for Covid-19 at UK airports?

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a huge drop in air travel around the world, with countries on lockdown and the Foreign Office advising against all but essential travel globally.

But despite millions having to put travel plans on hold, flights are still coming into UK airports on a weekly basis, many arriving from coronavirus hotspots around the world.

But with many other countries putting health screening measures in place at airports, is the UK doing the same?

Here’s what you need to know about flights arriving here…

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Are people screened for Covid-19 at UK airports?

Health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that people who arrive at UK airports are not being screened for Covid-19.

This is despite many arriving from China, the US, Spain, Italy and other countries which have been at the centre of serious outbreaks.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Hancock said that the decision not to screen passengers was due to the low numbers of people entering the country at the moment.

‘We don’t routinely test at airports because the number of people coming through has dropped very dramatically and so there are very very lot amounts of people entering the country,’ he explained.

He said that around 15,000 people a day are currently flying to the UK.

Why are flights still operating at airports?

Despite the guidance against all but essential travel, airports remain open for a number of reasons, including the repatriation of citizens as well as to transport and receive air cargo, including vital medical equipment and supplies.

Heathrow Airport said on its website that its flights have dropped by 75 per cent since the start of the outbreak but that it has seen a 200 per cent increase in cargo flights in recent weeks.

The site also offers safety advice for those who do need to fly, offering advice with regards to social distancing at the airport as well as other changes such as the closure of shops and restaurants.

They have also advised that only those travelling can enter the airport itself, with anybody dropping off and picking up passengers advised not to enter the terminal.

Gatwick Airport has also made changes, with its North terminal currently closed and social distancing measures put in place.

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