The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (Aasa) has urged passengers to act responsibly and with due care by limiting their exposure to fellow travellers, air crew and airport workers.
“Airlines throughout southern Africa are complying with stringent international and local health and safety measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, but we urge any passengers who are feeling unwell, displaying any respiratory illness symptoms, or who may have come into contact with a carrier of the Coronavirus, not to travel to airports or board flights,” said Aasa CEO, Chris Zweigenthal.
“Similarly, people who have recently travelled and who subsequently display symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, should seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider,” added Zweigenthal.
Since the outbreak and spread of Covid-19, airlines across the region have intensified precautionary measures in line with practices recommended by global and national authorities, including the UN World Health Organisation, the International Air Transport Association, the Center for Disease Control, South Africa’s Department of Health and its National Institute of Communicable Diseases. These precautions include sanitising and cleaning of aircraft cabins, including seats, safety belts, seat-back trays, window blinds, overhead baggage stowage doors, lavatories, galleys, catering equipment and other touch-points.
“Despite these various measures, among the confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa are people who recently travelled by air and who may have infected other passengers on the same flights. For this reason we are appealing to all travellers to act responsibly. If you are unwell, please don’t fly. Instead, please see a doctor,” added Zweigenthal.
