Reacting to international studies claiming onboard transmission of COVID-19 in long-haul flights, IATA states, it’s much lower than in other modes of transportation. By Tanvi Jain
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Two international studies conducted recently have found proof of onboard transmission of COVID-19 on long-haul flights. However, although the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has acknowledged it, it has also claimed it to be much lower than in other modes of transportation.
“We are aware of the specific incidents on the studied flights (London to Hanoi and a Boston to Hong Kong), as well as other flights where secondary transmission on board the flight has potentially occurred. There have been millions of flights since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. And there are very few reported incidents where onboard transmission is suspected. We believe that the data is telling us that the risk of onboard transmission of the virus is low when compared with other public indoor environments, such as trains, buses, restaurants and workplaces,” IATA stated in a press release.
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“There are published examples which indicate a much higher risk in these environments. Aircraft benefit from very high air exchange rates and HEPA filters, which filter more than 99.99 per cent of all particles including viruses,” it added.
Further trying to strengthen its claim, it said, “The two flights in question were studied in March and a lot has taken place since. Most notably, face masks and face coverings are now a common practice during flights and other environments where social distancing is not possible. And in June, the ICAO ‘Take-off’ guidelines for safe operations during the COVID-19 crisis were agreed upon and implemented by the Governments.”
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Moreover, it also noted that, while the risk of transmission on an aircraft is low, passengers can take additional precautions to further lower the risk. “Following guidance to wear a mask or face covering provides significant protection to all onboard. Passengers are also encouraged to practice good hand hygiene – washing hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth, especially after contact with commonly touched surfaces,” IATA suggested.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to re-establish global air connectivity, IATA has called for the deployment of a systematic, rapid, accurate and affordable COVID-19 testing before the departure, so that the passengers can avoid being quarantined. “IATA is calling for the development & deployment of #COVID19 testing for all air passengers before departure in order to safely re-establish global air connectivity. Read more http://bit.ly/33TYvKV,” it tweeted.
Related: How You Can Travel Safely Without Any Quarantine, IATA Suggests Alternatives
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