Masks in air transport: new rules began to take effect on March 25

On March 25, Brazilian airports and airlines adopted the new guidelines of the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) on the use of appropriate masks when traveling by air. It is forbidden to use bandanas, handkerchiefs and face shields used without a mask underneath. Masks with an exhalation valve, even if they are professional, will also not be accepted, as well as masks made of acrylic or transparent plastic. These guidelines apply to passengers and professionals who work in the industry.

The increased strictness on the types of masks used in airport environments was updated by Anvisa based on scientific evidence, the emergence of new variants of Covid-19 and the transmission rates of the disease.

The use of surgical masks, professional masks type N95, PFF2, FFP2 and home made masks, made of fabrics such as cotton and poplin, as long as they have more than one layer of protection and an adequate fit to the face covering the nose and mouth, without openings that allow air and respiratory droplets to enter or exit, are still allowed.

Inspection

The inspection will be carried out by Anvisa inspectors, in the airport environment, and will have an educational focus. Anvisa is responsible for health surveillance in ports, airports, borders, and bonded areas. It is Anvisa’s job to supervise and apply the penalties provided in the law that defines violations to the federal sanitary legislation and establishes the penalties in case of non-compliance.

The most important thing is the awareness of the population, so that everyone contributes to reduce the infection by the new coronavirus.

Precautions on board

The aircraft already have technologies that contribute to prevent contagion, such as special air filtration, in more modern models. These aircrafts have a HEPA air filter system, which captures 99.7% of particles by promoting air renewal every 3 minutes. Currently, the aircraft in the Brazilian fleet rely on this technology.

Going to travel? Stay tuned to the guidelines!

If you must travel, it is important to pay attention to Anvisa’s health guidelines and the recommendations of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

- Before traveling, check the travel time, including travel time to the airport, to ensure the integrity of your protective mask. When in doubt, have a spare mask in an easily accessible place.

- Give preference to online check-in. It facilitates your boarding and reduces the number of people circulating in the terminals. 

- Keep your hands clean. Passengers and crew members will always count on airport and aircraft equipped with water, soap and containers of alcohol gel.

- Respect the sound guidelines in the terminals and the distance marks in the rows and seats.

- Avoid crowding when disembarking. Respect the crew’s call and move only when authorized.

- When retrieving baggage, maintain the recommended minimum distance.

Learn more about “Caution when traveling” (click to access).