Ebola outbreak: ‘No guarantee’ screening will work

A passenger being screened at Heathrow, as enhanced measures for Ebola began at Britain's biggest airport (PA)

There is no way of “completely” guaranteeing a case of Ebola will not enter the UK, health officials have said, after the first day of passenger screening at a UK airport ended in accusations that border controls were not robust enough.

Several passengers travelling from Liberia yesterday reported that health screening at Heathrow, the first airport to enact the measures, had been offered on a voluntary basis.

David Cameron ordered checks at UK airports and international rail terminals in the wake of growing concerns about cases outside of Africa.

Screening, involving a temperature check and a questionnaire, followed by a medical assessment if a passenger is perceived to be a risk, will be rolled out at all Heathrow terminals by the end of this week, and at Gatwick and Eurostar terminals by next week.

Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection and medical director at Public Health England said staff would be “learning” from yesterday’s experience, but said “legal measures” could also be used.