Airline passengers and staff will be recommended to wear ‘mouth-nose protectors’ when using airports in Finland.
The edict came from airports operator Finavia as Covid-19 travel restrictions begin to be relaxed.
Helsinki airport director Ulla Lettijeff said: “Now that Finland is gradually easing the coronavirus-related restrictions, Finavia turns its gaze to the future as well.
“We are preparing ourselves for the return of air traffic carefully and gradually.
“We have already implemented various coronavirus-related measures at our airports and, if necessary, we are ready to adapt our instructions quickly. Right now, we are expanding the use of masks to protect passengers and employees.”
The company wants to do its best to make sure that air passengers feel safe as they arrive at Finavia’s airports.
Lettijeff added: “We kindly ask passengers to use their own mask whenever they move about the airport. Please acquire a suitable mask as you prepare for your journey.
“At this moment, we have also reserved a limited number of mouth-nose protectors which we can provide, upon request, to those passengers who do not yet have their own mask.
“Airport employees have already had access to masks but, going forward, Finavia is requiring the use of a mask in customer service tasks at all workstations that do not have a separate protective plastic barrier.”
Finavia is offering one batch of mouth-nose protectors to the companies at the airports that work in the customer interface and requires the companies to take care of protecting their employees independently after that.
Information about hand hygiene is being distributed to passengers inside terminals while passengers are being reminded to keep a safe distance with tape markings and instructions.
Domestic and international passengers will use separate routes at Helsinki airport until further notice, with passengers encouraged to check-in online in advance.