The news had been eagerly awaited by everyone, especially business travellers used to long-haul flights: from Monday, the 16 Maythe mask will no longer be required for travel. " The constantly improving health situation means that we can lift the requirement to wear masks on all public transport from Monday. "says Olivier Véranbefore adding: " It is still recommended, particularly for frail people ". Trains, metros, buses, taxis all daily journeys are affected by this decision, which was announced at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting on 11 May. But also business travel on a much larger scale. Because theaerial will also be exempt from masking at European level.
A few hours earlier, two European bodies announced an equivalent decision concerning air travel: the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC). Their joint press release served as a update on health safety measures for air travelin abandoning the recommendation that masks must be worn at airports and on board aircraft. " From next week, face masks will no longer be compulsory for air travel, which is broadly in line with changes in the requirements of national authorities in Europe for public transport. "says EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. For passengers and crews alike, this is a major step forward in the standardisation of air travel. However, passengers must behave responsibly and respect the choices of those around them. And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, to reassure those sitting nearby. ". A coincidence? Not really. Olivier Véran said on Wednesday: " We are following the ECDC, which this morning published this recommendation, which is in line with what we ourselves were in the process of deciding at the National Defence and Security Council. ".
The spokesman forAir France contacted on Wednesday confirmed the news, adding: " Air France has taken note of the government's statements concerning the obligation to wear masks on public transport to be lifted soon. Air France will comply with the legal provisions when they come into force. As a result, Air France will its customers will no longer be required to wear a mask on board its flights, unless a mask is required by the country of destination ".
For his part, the Managing Director of IATAWillie Walsh, welcomed the relaxation advocated by the European authorities, describing it as "a step in the right direction". another important step on the road back to normality for air passengers. Travellers can rejoice in being able to freely choose whether or not to wear a mask. And they can travel with confidence, knowing that many features of the aircraft cabin, such as high-frequency air exchange and high-efficiency filters, make it one of the safest indoor environments. ".
