Cancellation of masks at airports and planes from May 16

European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommend relaxing sanitary measures and, in particular, to use the mask how in airportsas well as in flight.

ECDC and EASA, in a joint statement, cancel the recommendation for the mandatory use of medical masks at airports and flights, while noting that mask is still one of the best precautions against the transmission of COVID-19.

The new recommendation will come into effect on May 16.

However, it should be noted that the rules regarding masks will continue to apply. vary by airline. For example, companies flying to or from a destination that still requires the wearing of a mask on public transport should continue to encourage its use.

It is also emphasized that vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of regulations, ideally mask FFP2/N95/KN95which provides a higher level of protection than standard surgical.

In addition to changes to mask-wearing, recommendations include easing stricter measures on aviation activities, which will help ease the burden on the industry while maintaining appropriate measures. ECDC Director Andrea Amon said:

“While the risks still exist, we see that non-drug intervention and vaccines have allowed our lives to return to normal. Although the mandatory use of a mask in all cases no longer recommended, it is important to remember that, along with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, this is one of the best ways to reduce transmission. Rules and requirements of countries of departure and destination must be consistently followed and appliedand tour operators must provide timely informing passengers about all necessary measures. The importance of these measures must be effectively communicated to passengers for their safety, and ECDC will continue to work with our colleagues from EASA to regularly evaluate and, if necessary, amend the recommendations

For his part, EASA Executive Director Patrick Key noted that “From next week there are no more masks will be mandatory for air travel in all cases, which is generally in line with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport, for passengers and crew this is a big step forward to facilitate air travel. However, passengers must behave responsibly and respect the choices of others. “A passenger who is coughing and sneezing should consider wearing a face mask, to calm those around you“.

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