Uproar, As NCAA Recommends Face Masks Throughout Long Haul Flights

By Uche Mbah

To help contain the ravaging coronavirus in the country and beyond and follow international protocol on the issue, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has reeled out guidelines on both international and local flights as the country prepares for the resumption of Flights after weeks of lockdown.

The Pandemic has adversely affected the Aviation industry as most airlines were grounded by executive fiat, apart from specially approved flights.

In a directive issued by the Agency with reference number: NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/120, dated May 27, issued by its Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu, in Lagos Thursday to all operators airports and other service providers, the Agency said the flight crew must wear masks throughout all flights.

“The new protocol will ensure orientation and sensitization of crew on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures as per training and guidance from public health authorities”, he said, adding that it should;

“Ensure they have adequate stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), minimum of 70 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitizer and Universal Precaution Kits (UPK) onboard aircraft before the flight;

“Ensure flight crew wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe IPC measures for the duration of the flight as follows:

“Regarding the Flight deck Crew: Non-medical face masks and gloves. Face masks can be removed when the cockpit door is closed for safety reasons.

“Cabin crew – Non-medical face masks, gloves, disposal surgical gowns and safety visors/goggles must be used during flight operation.

“They must ensure the safe removal of gloves after performing specific tasks and they should avoid touching their face and eyes with unclean hands.

“Flight the crew are to ensure that all passengers wear a non-medical face mask for the duration of the flight except when eating or using emergency oxygen.

“Flight crew are to ensure that passengers rub their hands with alcohol-based sanitizer as they embark on the aircraft.”

According to the release, the current protocol replaces the old one where crew members are quarantined for fourteen days after arrival. the crew, however, are expected to undergo COVID tests every fourteen days after arrival. Apart from that, airlines should always carry augmented crew for emergency sake.