From today, May 16, the sanitary measures are relaxed and more specifically the mandatory measure use of maskso in airports as well as during flightas they recommend European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and c European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In particular, the ECDC and EASA, in a joint statement, abolish the recommendation for mandatory use of medical masks at airports and flightswhile it is pointed out that the mask is still one of better precautions against the transmission of COVID-19.
However, it is noted that the rules specifically for masks will continue to vary depending on the airline. For example, companies flying to or from a destination where masking on public transport is still required should continue to encourage its use.
It is also emphasized that vulnerable passengers they should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules, ideally a FFP2 / N95 / KN95 mask that offers a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask.
In addition to the changes to the masks, the recommendations include relaxation of stricter measures for aviation activitiessomething that will help alleviate the burden on the industry, while maintaining appropriate measures.
THE its director ECDC Andrea Amon, “Although there are still risks, we have seen that non-drug interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal,” he said. While the mandatory use of a mask in all cases is no longer recommended, it is important to keep in mind that, along with physical distance and good hand hygiene, it is one of the best methods of reducing transmission. The rules and requirements of the countries of departure and destination should be consistently observed and enforced and travel operators should ensure that passengers are informed in a timely manner of any measures required. “The importance of these measures should continue to be effectively communicated to passengers for their safety, and the ECDC will continue to work with our EASA colleagues to regularly evaluate and amend recommendations as necessary.”
From his side, EASA Executive Director Patrick Key, noted that “from next week the masks will no longer have to be mandatory in air travel in all cases, in general alignment with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport”, adding that passengers and crews, this is a big step forward in smoothing out air travel. However, passengers should behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. “A passenger who coughs and sneezes should consider wearing a face mask to reassure those sitting nearby.”
The update of this common protocol takes into account the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular vaccination levels and naturally acquired immunity, as well as the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries.
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