"Stop" mandatory mask wearing at airports and on flights from 16 May

The European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are recommending a relaxation of almost one of the remaining measures to combat coronavirus – wearing masks at airports and in flight.

Both bodies stressed in a joint statement last Wednesday that rescind the mandatory mask recommendation, noting, however, that it remains one of the best precautions against coronavirus transmission.

The new recommendation will come into effect tomorrow, Monday 16 May 2022, with The rules for wearing masks will vary depending on the airline.. For example, companies flying to or from a destination that still requires the wearing of a mask on public transport must continue to comply with its use.

The circular also noted that certain categories of citizens (with weak immunity, etc.) should continue to wear a mask, regardless of the rules, ideally of the FFP2 / N95 / KN95 type, which provides a higher level of protection than a simple surgical mask, writes lifo.gr.

The update of the covid safety protocol takes into account recent developments in relation to the pandemic, in particular the level of vaccination and natural immunity, as well as the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries.

“While the risks still exist, we see that non-pharmacological interventions and vaccines allowed us to return to normal life. Although Mandatory use of a mask at all times is no longer recommendedit is important to keep in mind that, along with social distancing and good hand hygiene, this is one of the best ways to reduce infection transmission,” said ECDC head Andrea Amon.

For his part, EASA Executive Director Patrick Key emphasized that an important step towards facilitating air travel is being taken: “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 reassure those sitting nearby.”

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