Filenews 11 May 2022
Relaxation of sanitary measures and more specifically the use of masks, both at airports and during the flight, are recommended by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In particular, ECDC and EASA, according to a joint announcement, are removing the recommendation for mandatory use of medical masks at airports and on flights, while noting that the mask is still one of the best precautions against the transmission of COVID-19. The new recommendation will apply from 16 May.
However, it is noted that the rules specifically for masks will continue to vary depending on the airline. For example, airlines with flights to or from a destination, where the use of a mask is still required on public transport, should continue to encourage its use.
At the same time, it is emphasized that vulnerable passengers 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 masks, the recommendations include a relaxation of stricter measures for aviation activities, which will help ease the burden on the industry while maintaining appropriate measures.
ECDC director Andrea Amon said that, "although risks remain, we have seen that non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal. While the mandatory wearing of a mask in all cases is no longer recommended, it is important to keep in mind that, along with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, it is one of the best methods of reducing transmission. The rules and requirements of the States of departure and destination should be complied with and applied consistently and travel operators should ensure that they inform passengers in a timely manner of any necessary measures. The importance of these measures should continue to be effectively communicated to passengers for their safety and ECDC will continue to work with our EASA colleagues to regularly assess and amend the recommendations as needed."
For his part, EASA Executive Director Patrick Ki noted that "from next week masks will no longer have to be mandatory on air travel in all cases, broadly in line with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport", adding that "for passengers and crews, this is a big step forward in normalising 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 the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, as well as the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries.
Source: AMPE
