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Mask mandate on many European flights still required despite rule change

Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain are among countries keeping the mask mandate on flights despite a relaxation of EU regulations.

The EU’s easing from Monday is in line with changing Covid guidance on public transport across Europe.

France has lifted the face mask obligation on aircraft, trains and buses.

But Italy requires passengers to keep wearing the more protective FFP2 masks on public transport until June 15.

Other EU countries that still require face masks on flights are: Portugal, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, according to the BBC.

The EU-wide easing was announced last week by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Executive director Patrick Ky said: “It is a relief to all of us that we are finally reaching a stage in the pandemic where we can start to relax the health safety measures”.

EASA has maintained advice for vulnerable passengers to continue wearing FFP2 masks and passengers generally should try to observe social distancing where possible.

Face masks are no longer compulsory on flights to the UK and US.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) director Andrea Ammon said that although the wearing of masks would no longer be compulsory, it was important to remember that “together with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, it is one of the best methods of reducing transmission”.

“Further, as of 16 May 2022, aircraft operators, during their pre-flight communications as well as during the flight, should continue to encourage their passengers and crew members to wear face masks during the flight as well as in the airport, even when wearing a face mask is not required,” the ECDC said.

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