A timely look back at the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and why ministers failed to slow the spread of the virus
The first reports of a new virus emerging in Wuhan came around Christmas 2019. By early January, there were 27 cases in the Chinese city. Within a couple of weeks, airports in Asia were screening all passengers who passed through their doors. Weeks on, UK airports still were not – despite three direct flights a week from Wuhan to Heathrow.
Screening is ineffective as a method to stop the spread of a virus such as Covid-19, said one scientist.