ANVISA determines the mandatory use of mask in airports and aircraft

About three months after withdrawing the mandatory use of masks on board aircraft and at airports, ANVISA returned, this Tuesday (11/22) to demand their mandatory use. The decision was taken through a meeting between the agency’s directors, who also made it mandatory to be valid on domestic flights and at airports throughout Brazil starting next Friday (11/25). Even those vaccinated will be required to wear a triple layer, fabric, or N95 mask on board. Previously, Anvisa continued to recommend the use of masks, including through sound warnings to be broadcast on aircraft, under the terms of the new approved Resolution. Other protective measures, however, must be maintained, such as the availability of gel alcohol in airports and aircraft, carrying out cleaning and disinfection procedures, the optimized functioning of air conditioning systems, and disembarking organized by rows. The measure was taken to prevent an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 in Brazil, as in recent weeks there has been a large increase in new infections, as well as deaths from the disease. According to Director Alex Campos, who proposed the measure, “the use of masks in higher risk environments, due to their characteristics of confinement, circulation, and agglomeration of people, represents an act of citizenship and protection of the community, and aims to mitigate the risk of disease transmission and contagion”. It should be noted that the standard prohibits the use of: acrylic or plastic masks; masks equipped with exhalation valves, including N95 and PFF2; scarves, cloth bandanas, or any other material that is not characterized as a protective mask for professional use or non-professional use; face shield alone; protective masks for non-professional use made with only one layer or that do not comply with the minimum requirements set out in ABNT PR 1002 – Guide to basic requirements for methods of testing, manufacturing, and use. According to the resolution, masks must be used adjusted to the face, covering the nose, chin, and mouth, minimizing spaces that allow the entry or exit of air and respiratory droplets. The obligation to use masks will be waived in the case of people with autism spectrum disorder, with intellectual disabilities, with sensory impairments, or with any other disabilities that prevent them from making proper use of face protection masks, as well as in the case of children under the age of 3 (three). – https://www.aeroflap.com.br/anvisa-determina-obrigatoriedade-de-uso-de-mascara-em-aeroportos-e-aeronaves/