Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 17, 2014 4:09 PM IST
UK health officials have banned their airport staff from shaking hands with immigrants arriving from the Ebola-hit nations, just few days after they defended this practice. On the first day of Ebola screening procedure, immigration officers present at the Heathrow Airport in UK were criticized. Public Health England (PHE), in-charge of the airport screening process, defended the practice saying that there is no proof stating that the deadly Ebola virus can be transmitted through hand contact. (Read:10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
Although the officials have not changed their statement in this regard, they have told their staff not to shake hands with any of the individuals arriving at the airport as a mere 'precautionary step'. Passengers who arrived from West Africa were screened at the Airport and when asked about the officials behaviour, some said it's a joke. Sorius Samura, a passenger who arrived from Liberia said, 'I just came back via Brussels. An airport official arrived to say that we all are supposed to be screened. He also shook hands with us, which in recent times is been avoided by staff.' (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)
But two days later, the situation has changed completely. The organization has told their staff not to greet arrivals with shake hands. When asked about the change, PHE retorted back saying that unless a person comes in contact with the body fluids of Ebola-infected person, he will get the disease. The Ebola virus doesn't get transmitted by mere sitting next to an Ebola-infected person, shaking hands or ordinary social contact. (Read: WHO says Ebola toll has risen to 4,493)
A spokesperson for PHE said, 'However, we have advised our screening staff to not shake hands with people as an extra precautionary measure. This is included in the training process that is given to every staff member. In case there is a handshake between the screening staff and arrivals, it doesn't pose any health threat.'
Image Source: Getty Images
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