The number of COVID-19 cases in China is currently very high, with accurate data not available, and several countries are taking travel restrictions, such as conducting random diagnostic tests at airports or showing a negative result on a COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate. The European Commission is making recommendations to EU/EEA travellers destined for China and travellers entering the EU/EEA from China. It also reminds airport and airline staff of the personal protection guidelines published by the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
Guidelines and recommendations for EU/EEA travellers wishing to travel to China:
- Travellers are urged to exercise caution if travelling to any region around the world with high rates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, as this could increase the risk of infection and in addition could make it difficult to access healthcare services abroad if the need arises. Travellers are urged to confirm that their health insurance provides full coverage in the destination country.
- Prior to departure, all travellers are urged to ensure that they have received the full COVID-19 vaccination schedule, including booster doses, and that they have received, in general, all vaccines in accordance with their national vaccination schedules.
- During travel, medical face masks are among the most effective means of preventing SARS-COV-2 transmission. Therefore, it is recommended to consider mask use in busy indoor and outdoor areas, including during air travel.
- Vulnerable passengers are recommended to continue wearing a face mask regardless of the rules; ideally a FFP2/N95/KN95 type mask that provides a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask. It is strongly recommended that persons with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) wear a medical face mask regardless of the requirements for the specific flight.
- All citizens are generally recommended to be encouraged to stay at home in case of illness, to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including the appropriate use of a face mask, and to minimise exposure in crowded public places, including public transport, particularly for vulnerable people, in order to reduce the spread of as well as exposure to respiratory viruses.
Guidance and recommendations for travellers entering the EU/EEA from China:
- All travellers need to be aware of the entry requirements at transfer and destination airports, such as if they are required to provide COVID-19 test results or documentation on vaccination status.
- Travellers should be informed that in some EU/EEA countries there are currently serious pressures on health systems due to various infectious disease outbreaks, and that this may have an impact on the availability of care, both for citizens and travellers visiting the EU/EEA.
- During travel, medical face masks are among the most effective means of preventing the transmission of SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is recommended to consider wearing a mask in busy indoor and outdoor areas, including during air travel.
- Vulnerable passengers are encouraged to continue wearing a face mask regardless of the rules; ideally a FFP2/N95/KN95 type mask that provides a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask. It is strongly recommended that persons with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) wear a medical face mask regardless of the requirements applicable to the specific flight.
- Due to continuing high levels of respiratory viruses circulating in the EU/EEA, including RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, all travellers coming to Europe and all citizens are encouraged to stay at home in case of illness, to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including the appropriate use of face masks, and to minimise exposure in crowded public places, including public transport, especially for vulnerable people, in order to reduce the spread as well as exposure to respiratory viruses.
Guidance and recommendations to airport and airline staff on personal protection: The ECDC and EASA have published the COVID-19 Protocol on Aviation Health Security and its annex https:/www.easa.europa.eu/en/downloads/137460/en and the guidance contained in this document remains valid and is recommended to be implemented by EU/EEA countries as part of a risk-based approach. With regard to personal protection of personnel, the ECDC reiterates the following with regard to vaccination and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Vaccination
Aircraft and airport operators, either individually or through their representative bodies, and in coordination with the competent public health authorities, are encouraged to continue to inform their staff members about the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19, in particular its high effectiveness in preventing serious infection and death. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk to themselves, their family members and travelling persons who, for health reasons, may not be able to be vaccinated or may have an inadequate immune response. Where permitted by the national legal framework, business operators could also consider developing a vaccination strategy for all eligible staff members.
PPE (personal protective equipment)
Airport operators, aircraft operators and service providers/suppliers are encouraged to provide the necessary PPE to their staff members and to ensure that they are trained in its appropriate use.Personnel who are in direct contact with passengers (e.g. flight attendants, security screeners, assistants to passengers with reduced mobility, cleaning staff, etc.) are recommended to be encouraged to wear appropriate medical face masks or, where available and the legal framework allows, face masks of a higher standard (e.g. face masks of a higher standard).FFP2/N95/KN95 respiratory protection masks).
- Personnel should be encouraged to maintain respiratory hygiene at all times, as well as the regular application of hand hygiene measures, either by appropriate washing or the use of alcohol-based disinfectant. For operations where personnel may be exposed to liquid splashes, the use of a protective apron or disposable plastic apron may be considered.
- Crew members are encouraged to wear a face mask whenever in contact with or in close proximity to other persons. Once in the cockpit and the door is closed, crew members may remove their masks subject to carrier policy and mutual agreement [NOTE: THIS RECOMMENDATION COULD BE TEMPORARILY REVIEWED]. In addition, crew members are encouraged to remove their masks in emergency situations and whenever required by the competent authorities for official purposes, such as identification or alcohol screening.
- Aircraft operators are recommended to carry one or more Universal Precaution Kits (Universal Precaution Kit (UPK). The Universal Precaution Kit provides protection against blood-borne pathogens or other potential bodily fluid-borne pathogens) on board aircraft. These boxes are encouraged to be used by crew members assisting passengers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and for cleaning and proper disposal of any potentially infectious contents.
(AF)
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