Canada Just Put Out Its Official Safety Guide For Flying As Air Travel Is Taking Off Again
Flying hasn't exactly been a high priority for most this year. Still, there are those who either want or need to take a plane somewhere. Newly introduced Canada air travel guidelines might just make that feel safer.
In an August 14 news release, Transport Canada announced Canada's Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19, an initiative aimed at reducing the health risks associated with air travel.
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The plan will implement "a multi-layered system of safety measures to support public health by protecting air travellers and air industry workers from COVID-19," according to the release.
Changes will apply to both aircraft and airports and will include mandatory face mask use for travellers, airport staff, and flight crews, as well as enhanced cleaning and sanitizing on high-touch surfaces and mandatory health checks for all passengers.
While flying, movement around the plane will be limited, as will some forms of in-flight service.
Touchless technologies will be used to scan boarding passes, and airports will use enhanced air conditioning and filtration systems.
Transport Canada's website indicates that travellers arriving in the country will still be subject to temperature checks but can use the eDeclaration mobile app to fill out customs forms ahead of time, as well as the ArriveCAN app to submit contact information and an address for the mandatory self-isolation period upon arrival.
This plan is designed to be revised at any time in accordance with international best practices.
"Canada is a large country and safe and secure air travel is critical for Canadians to connect with loved ones and for those who rely on it to support their businesses," Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said in a statement.
"Implementing Canada's Flight Plan reinforces our ongoing commitment to protect public health and minimize the COVID-19 risks associated with air travel."
The plan comes into place as the Canada Border Services Agency reports the highest volume of international air travel since March.
CBSA statistics provided to Narcity show that between August 3 and 9, there were 56,122 international air passengers arriving in the country.
That's the highest the number has been since between March 23 and 29, when there were 129,195.
Still, when compared to last year, the traffic in August still saw a drastic reduction of over 93%.