What you should know if you have or need to travel by air

Most people worry about the safety of the cabin air. For most modern aircraft types, the air supplied to the passenger cabin is either 100% fresh or is a mixture of fresh and re-circulated air that is filtered through HEPA Filters of the same efficacy (99.97% or better) in removing viruses as those used in surgical operating rooms.  

While the risk of catching an infection on an aircraft is typically lower than in a shopping center or an office environment, there are simple measures you can take to further reduce the risk of illness if you are traveling. These include practicing hand hygiene by washing them regularly with soap or an alcohol-based sanitizer, and not touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.

While you must not travel when you are ill, should you experience symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness during or after a trip, seek medical attention and share your travel history with your health care provider. Most governments also provide clear instructions and specific protocols to follow.

Wearing a mask is required by most airlines and is recommended by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the entire journey, from entering the airport to  flying and leaving the airport at destination. In addition, the range of simple measures also advised by the World Health Organisation are also applicable for passengers: hand-washing or use of hand sanitizer on a regular basis, avoiding touching other people, covering coughs and sneezes (and then hand-washing), avoiding travelling if becoming unwell, and avoiding contact with anyone who appears to be unwell.