Mask is mandatory again on planes and airports this Friday; see what changes

Masks are back on planes and airports. The rule that makes the use of the item mandatory comes into force this Friday (25).

The decision was taken earlier this week by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) due to the recent advance of Covid in the country.

Protection was no longer required in these environments in August of this year, when use became just a recommendation.

Understand why the agency resumed the measure and what the rules are from this Friday.

Why are masks mandatory on planes again?

Brazil has recently seen an increase in the moving average of Covid cases. The growth, in relation to data from two weeks ago, reached 300%. The moving average of deaths also showed jumps again.

The director of the agency, who proposed the return, commented, in his vote, on the characteristics of confinement, large circulation and agglomeration of people from different origins on aircraft and airports, thus being a conducive environment for contagion.

When do I have to wear the mask again on planes?

From this Friday (25).

And the in-flight service? Will there be more?

This service will work normally. According to Anvisa’s resolution, people can remove the mask to hydrate and eat during in-flight service. The same goes for areas inside the airport.

Does everyone need the mask?

Yes, practically everyone. Only people with autistic spectrum disorder, with intellectual disabilities, with sensory impairments or with disabilities that do not allow the proper use of masks are exempt from use.

Children under 3 years old also do not need to wear a mask.

Can I use any mask?

No, according to Anvisa.

The agency states that acrylic or plastic masks, those with valves and also “face shields” (plates that cover the face) used without an associated mask are not allowed.

Anvisa also cites the ban on the use of scarves, bandanas or other materials as a mask. Finally, non-professional masks with only one layer of protection are also not allowed, according to the agency.

It is worth remembering that for proper use, the mask must cover the nose and mouth and be well adjusted to the face, to avoid leaks.

Since when were masks no longer mandatory in airports and planes?

In August of this year, Anvisa had determined the end of the requirement.

How do masks protect against infection?

Knowledge about mask protection to prevent infections has grown a lot in the first year of the pandemic, and there is no longer any doubt that the mask is capable of reducing the transmission of Sars-CoV-2.

The evidence in favor of the use of masks both for individual protection and to prevent the spread of viral particles in the air has already been well demonstrated. Thus, masks protect both directly, functioning as a physical barrier against droplets of saliva expelled when talking, coughing or sneezing, and filtering the air that may be full of aerosol microparticles (invisible to the naked eye) containing the virus.

The protective capacity of the masks varies according to the type of material used and the weave. A study carried out by USP evaluated the filtering efficiency of different types of masks sold in Brazil and concluded that N95 or PFF2 masks are the most indicated, with efficiency above 98%, followed by TNT or surgical masks (between 80% and 90% %), and finally cloth, with an average of 40%. Knitting masks, with open weaves or synthetic fabrics such as lycra and microfiber are not effective in protecting (around 15%).

Another survey carried out in the United States pointed to an effectiveness of up to 95% when combining a surgical mask under a cloth one.

In a collective sense, if everyone in a closed environment is wearing masks, the chance of transmitting the virus is reduced by up to 70%, according to an article published in the journal Aerosol Science and Technology.

I am vaccinated against Covid. Should I continue to wear masks?

Yup. In general, Covid vaccines were developed to protect especially against hospitalization and death, but they do not have the power to fully contain the contagion itself. Thus, even vaccinated people can contract the virus and become ill, so it is important to continue wearing masks after immunization.

However, the chance of a vaccinated person becoming infected with the disease is lower than that of those who have not received any immunization, and the size of this protection varies according to the vaccine used.