Finnair Airbus A350-900 at Helsinki International Airport
Taken by @helsinki.jets
Finnair updated their website yesterday showing their new health and safety policies onboard their remaining flights. These have been put in place due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. However, what do these policies include?
Plexiglass guards will be put in place between staff and passengers at check-in. There will be cleaning wipes distributed onboard each aircraft carrying out an operation. It will also be compulsory to wear face masks while on the aircraft. There is one peculiar policy laid out by the airline that is the most interesting. That is if anyone is strongly suspected of having COVID-19, they will have a toilet reserved for them! Although, if someone is onboard the flight who is suspected of the virus, they have some new measures put in place to deal with this. They will isolate the person, ask them to wear a surgical face shield and only one cabin will be in contact with them for the flight. If possible, one toilet will be reserved for the suspect.
For the time being, this will work as most flights are empty due to travel restrictions. They can easily isolate the person by arranging an empty section which can be attained due to little demand. A loss of a lavatory is also realistic but will only be carried out 'if possible'. However, if flights fill up, these policies will not be practical.
It is unlikely that they will catch someone while onboard with symptoms. However, they do have these measures in place just incase. The policy states that, Finnair will examine customers at the departure gate. If someone is observed with a respiratory infection, they will not be allowed to board the aircraft. The airline have the right to deny boarding to someone who is symptomatic. It has been proven through epidemiological studies, that the risk of the coronavirus being spread in an aircraft is very low. Overall, these new policies are only realistic while demand is low.
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