Corona Virus. Face masks will no longer be mandatory from May 16, 2022 – new recommendations from EASA and ECDC

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Wednesday issued an update on safety measures for COVID-19 affecting air travel. The mandatory use of masks at airports and on planes has been abandoned. At the same time, it was noted that the mask remains “one of the best safeguards against transmission of the COVID-19 virus”.

The update – as indicated by the organizations – takes into account the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the level of immunization and naturally acquired immunity, as well as the accompanying lifting of restrictions in an increasing number of countries in Europe. This is the case, for example, in Italy. This was announced by Deputy Local Health Minister Andrea Costa In the Apennine Peninsula during this summer there will be no restrictions imposed on the virus.

The new recommendations will take effect on Monday, May 16th. However, it has been stipulated that after this date, mask rules may vary depending on the airline.

“From next week, face masks will no longer be mandatory on air travel, in line with evolving public transport requirements from national authorities across Europe,” EASA CEO Patrick Key said in the press release.

“For passengers and cabin crew, this is a major step forward in standardizing air travel. However, passengers must act responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. A passenger who is coughing and sneezing should consider wearing a face mask to calm those in the air. Close ”- he added.