Dr Hilary spoke out on Good Morning Britain on Monday about the new travel advice from the government which says that from today, all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days.
Host Lorraine Kelly said: "Travel quarantine comes into effect today, that was a bit late, wasn't it?"
Dr Hilary replied: ccc
"The 27 other countries in the EU have much lower rates than we do, all bar one.
"So the risk of us going to see them is much worse than the other way round. If people are coming back to this country, and we put them in quarantine for 14 days, that's not going to help the aviation industry, it's not going to help travelling.
"And it would be effective but it's impractical, especially as people are saying you can get public transport to get to one of two addresses, and 1% of you would be checked up on, it's unworkable.
"Until we get a 20 minute test to say whether you're carrying the virus, we're not really going to pick up.
"And aviation bosses can say all they like that they've got these HEPA filtration systems in the cabin of the plane, but they won't pick up the tiny, tiny viruses that can penetrate those system.
"We'd still need to socially distance, and you can't do that on a plane."
He emphasised that social distancing is still the number one thing we can all do to ensure the virus does not spread as fast.
Dr Hilary also spoke about the possibility of a spike due to recent protests, but pointed out that other factors including crowded beaches and VE Day celebrations would also contribute.
He argued "One unjust murder, if it means that many more die of coronavirus, there's an irony there.
"I would appeal to people to protest by all means but try to keep a clear head about what the nature of the protest is, and try to socially distance to protect yourselves, those around you,and those people who by consequence could be much more vulnerable down the line."
* Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays on ITV at 6am
