Air passenger says lack of coronavirus protection in the UK was a shock

A beauty boss who has just returned from the Maldives says Covid-19 precautions are far more stringent in airports abroad.

Roz Colthart, from Edinburgh, was working in South Asia when lockdown started.

After a 34-hour trip home last week involving three flights, she says the UK seems unprepared.

She said: “I was lucky to get on a repatriation flight. We were advised in advance we would not be permitted to travel without latex gloves and N95 mask.

“All airport staff were fully protected – clear screens, masks and gloves as well as shoe coverings and aprons.

“The Sri Lankan crew were dressed head to toe in PPE including masks and goggles. Arriving in Sri Lanka for our transit, we were all sprayed down with disinfectant and had our temperature taken.”

On arrival in the UK, however, Roz, who runs her own company Salon Studios, said: “No temperatures were taken, no PPE was worn by staff and other than it being very quiet, it was a normal arrival experience.

“At Heathrow for the flight to Edinburgh, social distancing measures were in place. On board BA left a seat free in each row. Cabin crew wore their mask and gloves throughout the flight but, despite passengers being advised to wear masks, many were without.

“On arrival at Edinburgh airport, it was interesting to see the lack of PPE.

“Hats off to Malé and Colombo for organisation and taking all measures they could to protect everybody.

“In comparison, Heathrow and Edinburgh felt a little unprepared.”