An update to the protocols of the European Agency for Air Safety and the Center for Disease Prevention includes the measure, which will go into effect from 16 May, but it all depends on each airline and country: in which masks are mandatory in public transport, it is recommended that it remains the same in air transport
European Air Safety Agency (EASA) And this european center for disease prevention and control (ECDC) has published an update on health measures for air travel. In it, he has ended the recommendation to wear masks in airports and on board planes, although he points out that masks are still one of the best forms of protection against transmission of the virus. COVID-19. In addition, this is a recommendation and Depends on airlines and countries of origin and destination of travel if not.
The update of the Joint Aviation Health Protection Protocol takes into account the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular the level of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and after the lifting of restrictions in a large number of European countries.
“From next week, masks will no longer be mandatory on flights, in line with the requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport,” says Patrick Q, executive director of EASA. “For passengers and aircraft crew, this is a major step towards normalizing air travel. However, passengers must behave responsibly and respect the decisions of others around them. A passenger who coughs and sneezes, he should seriously consider wearing a mask for peace of mind. Among those sitting nearby,” he added.
For his part, ECDC director Andrea Ammon has said that the development and continuous updates of aviation health safety protocols regarding Covid-19 have given both passengers and airline staff a better understanding. risk of virus transmission Its variants.
“While the risk remains, we have seen that non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to return to normalcy. The mandatory use of masks is no longer recommended in all situations, but it is important to note That, along with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, is one of the best ways to reduce transmission,” he emphasized.
In their opinion, “the rules and requirements of the departure and destination states must be respected and enforced in a consistent manner, and travel operators should notify passengers in a timely manner of any necessary measures.” They concluded, “The importance of these measures should be effectively communicated to passengers for their safety, and ECDC will continue to work with our partners at EASA to assess and revise the recommendations as needed from time to time.” “
Rules vary by airline and country
These new recommendations will be applicable from now on 16 May. In any case, the rules for wearing or not wearing a mask will vary by airline. For example, flights to or from a destination where the use of masks is still required on public transport should continue to encourage the use of the same, as per the recommendations. In addition, vulnerable passengers should continue to wear masks regardless of regulations and it is recommended that this be an FFP2.
Travelers are also advised to follow social distancing measures whenever possible in indoor areas including airports. In any case, airport operators should take a pragmatic approach to this: for example, they should avoid imposing distance requirements if these are likely to hinder passenger travel elsewhere, especially if they are not needed. Is. level in other similar settings.
Although many countries no longer require passengers to submit their data via passenger locator forms, airlines must maintain their personal data collection systems so that they can provide this information to public health authorities when necessary. A new form of anxiety (VOC) emerged that was identified as potentially dangerous.
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