Passengers vetted for swine flu at Heathrow

Thermal body scanners installed at some British airports

By TTM on 19 July 2009 in News

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic say their staff are not allowing suspected swine flu sufferers to travel according to a report in the Sunday Times.

Following the introduction of thermal body scanners that can identify travellers with fever at airports in some countries including Thailand, Egypt and China, passengers at Heathrow and other major British airports are being vetted for possible symptoms by check-in staff who are turning away those thought to be infected.

A BA spokesman has confirmed that some passengers had already been turned away at check-in because they showed symptoms of infection.

The spokesman added: "Our staff are trained on what to look out for if someone has swine flu or any other communicable disease. The staff seek medical advice and anyone with swine flu would be advised they are unfit to travel."

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said check-in staff would call in a medical team for advice if passengers were showing possible signs, such as coughing or excessive sneezing. "We would be advised by our medical experts. But advice for anyone with swine flu is that they should not travel and wait until they recover," said a spokesman.

According to the Association of British Insurers, cancelled holidays or postponed flights would normally be covered under insurance policies.

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