Jazmin Li
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face shields and masks were required for passengers and airport personnel at many airports, including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Some airlines, such as American, Delta, and United, banned passengers who refused to wear face masks onboard their airplanes. However, the CDC stated that it is uncertain whether face shields effectively protect against COVID-19 and does not recommend their use in everyday activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are face shields allowed in airports? | Face shields are allowed in airports, but a face covering over the nose and mouth is also required. |
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What You'll Learn
- Face shields and masks are required for passengers and staff at Mactan-Cebu International Airport
- Face shields are allowed and encouraged for passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- American Airlines allows flight attendants to wear face shields after initially banning them
- Face shields are not recommended by the CDC for everyday use, but one study shows they reduce viral exposure by 96%
- Face shields are mandatory for passengers at some airports in India
Face shields and masks are required for passengers and staff at Mactan-Cebu International Airport
In compliance with the mandate of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), face shields and masks are required for passengers and staff at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This rule has been in place since August 15, 2020, at 00:01, and applies to all passengers departing from and arriving at the airport.
MCIA authorities have requested the public's cooperation in complying with health protocols implemented at the airport. These protocols include compulsory face masks and shields, body temperature scans, hand sanitizing and shoe disinfection, and social distancing of three to six feet in queuing areas and waiting rooms.
The airport has also installed protective clear shields at all check-in counters to serve as a barrier between passengers and staff. Additional alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been placed in public areas of the terminals, and medical-grade handwashing soap has replaced liquid hand soap in all restrooms.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and GMCAC are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and staff by implementing these stringent preventive health and safety measures. These measures are in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of flight services.
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Face shields are allowed and encouraged for passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
The rule applies to all passengers over the age of two, except those with respiratory concerns or difficulty breathing. Passengers are also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser and other on-board travel essentials, such as writing pens for filling out required forms.
Face shields must be clear and sturdy and must fit comfortably and cover the entire face. Passengers are also encouraged to bring an extra supply of face shields in their carry-on baggage in case they need to replace the first one. Face shields are sold at the airport for P150 to P350, and some restaurants at NAIA Terminal 3 also sell them.
The new policy was enforced by the airport police department, with the support of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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American Airlines allows flight attendants to wear face shields after initially banning them
In May 2020, American Airlines banned its flight attendants from wearing plastic face shields, citing that they were not permitted under FAA regulations. The airline also stated that face shields were not a part of their uniform and could make customers uncomfortable. Additionally, American Airlines pointed out that the CDC did not recommend using face shields along with face coverings. They suggested that face masks and frequent hand-washing were more effective ways to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this decision faced criticism from some flight attendants, who felt that wearing a face shield provided additional protection against the novel Coronavirus. One flight attendant, Dede Marie, shared her experience of wearing a face shield on duty, which resulted in a confrontation with her superiors. They discouraged her from wearing the plastic visor, stating that it wasn't part of the airline's "image standards" and might pose a safety hazard during emergencies. Marie, however, continued to wear the face shield despite the harassment she experienced.
Amid growing calls for the adoption of face shields in public settings, American Airlines found itself under pressure to reconsider its stance. The airline acknowledged the evolving nature of the situation and the CDC's guidance. It recognized that while the CDC did not initially recommend face shields, the recommendations could change, just as they had for face masks.
As a result, American Airlines decided to work with other airlines to approach the FAA and request a modification to its policy on face shields. They understood that revising the policy would require changes to multiple procedures, including emergency response protocols. This shift in stance signaled an important development in the ongoing debate surrounding the use of face shields as a protective measure in the aviation industry.
While American Airlines initially banned face shields for its flight attendants, the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing support for face shields as a protective measure influenced the airline to reconsider its position. This change demonstrates the dynamic nature of health and safety protocols and the industry's willingness to adapt to ensure the well-being of its crew and passengers.
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Face shields are not recommended by the CDC for everyday use, but one study shows they reduce viral exposure by 96%
Face shields are not recommended by the CDC for everyday use, as they are currently advised only for healthcare workers, especially in areas with moderate to substantial COVID-19 spread. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public settings, as masks help prevent people who have COVID-19 from transmitting the virus. However, the CDC also states that face shields should be worn in addition to a cloth face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
One study found that face shields can reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a simulated healthcare worker within 18 inches of a cough. Face shields offer "double protection" when worn over a cloth face covering, as they protect the mask from contamination and block additional droplets from reaching the face, including the eyes. This added protection is significant, as eye protection is typically underconsidered but can be effective in community settings.
The benefits of face shields are further supported by their ability to reduce the likelihood of introducing virus-packed particles. Gonzalo Bearman, M.D., a hospital epidemiologist and chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, compares face shields to a "dog cone for humans," as they prevent individuals from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, face shields are easier to wear, provide fresh air, and are reusable and easy to clean.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of face shields may depend on airflow dynamics and the presence of gaps. A study in the journal Physics of Fluids found that when a person wearing a face shield coughs or sneezes, aerosol-sized droplet particles can escape from the bottom and side gaps, dispersing over a wide area. Therefore, it is recommended to follow other guidelines to protect against coronavirus infection, such as avoiding close contact, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
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Face shields are mandatory for passengers at some airports in India
In May 2020, India's Civil Aviation Minister suggested that face shields could be mandatory for passengers at some airports in India. This was due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with face shields being a protective measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Face shields are commonly used by frontline workers as a barrier against the virus, and they are also relatively easy to manufacture.
The Minister's suggestion came as India operated dozens of repatriation flights to bring back Indian citizens stranded abroad. On these flights, passengers were given face shields and masks, while the cabin crew wore full PPE. It was noted that these measures could indicate what flying could look like in the near future.
Some Indian airlines, such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India, decided to adopt this new standard and ensure the safety of their cabin crew members, who are in close proximity to passengers during flights. The Civil Aviation Ministry also asked Indian airlines and airports for comments on a draft Standard Operating Procedure regarding post-lockdown commercial flight operations, indicating that face shields could become mandatory for passengers at some airports in India.
While there is no recent information confirming that face shields are currently mandatory for passengers at Indian airports, it is possible that some airports or airlines may still require their use, especially during the ongoing pandemic. It is recommended to check with the specific airport or airline for their latest guidelines and requirements before traveling.
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Frequently asked questions
Face shields are allowed at the airport. In fact, some airports, such as Mactan-Cebu International Airport, require passengers to wear face shields in addition to face masks.
It depends on the airline. Some airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines mandate the use of face masks but allow the use of face shields as well.
Some airports previously allowed the use of eye protection as an alternative to a face shield, but this is no longer the case.
Yes, face shields may be mandatory in other public spaces such as malls.
