British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix says he wants to see the evidence that itB次元官网网址檚 safe for the countryB次元官网网址檚 two largest airlines to drop their in-flight distancing policies during the pandemic.
B次元官网网址淲hat IB次元官网网址檇 like to hear from Transport Canada, from Health Canada is do they agree with this,B次元官网网址� Dix told a news conference on Monday. B次元官网网址淭he safety of passengers and the safety of all people in B.C., of Canada, in particular for us in B.C. is very important.B次元官网网址�
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said spacing policies on airplanes are not within her jurisdiction, but she assumed there was evidence to support the move.
B次元官网网址淲e are concerned,B次元官网网址� Henry said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an environment that we know people spend a lot of time in close contact with each other.B次元官网网址�
She said it is important that people wear masks during flights and continue to practise physical distancing. People should not be travelling if they are ill, Henry said, adding that she would like to see passenger screening for signs of sickness before flights.
Air Canada and WestJet announced they are ending their on-board seat distancing policies starting Wednesday.
The carriers said Friday they will follow health recommendations from the United NationB次元官网网址檚 aviation agency and the International Air Transport Association trade group.
Transport Canada said in a statement it issued guidance to the aviation industry, including recommendations for passenger spacing, but it is not mandatory.
B次元官网网址淎s physical distancing may not always be possible, all travellers, except those under the age of two years, and certain individuals with medical conditions, are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when travelling by air,B次元官网网址� said the statement.
B次元官网网址淭ransport Canada will also now require temperature screenings for passengers at select airports.B次元官网网址�
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Air Canada said it is offering flexible rebooking options to those travelling in its economy class on flights that are close to capacity.
B次元官网网址淲hile we would all like a single measure that reduces risk, we are left to use a combination of approaches to mitigate risk as far as practical,B次元官网网址� it said in a statement.
The airline says it has taken steps that allow passengers to travel using touchless processes at the airport to obtain bag tags and boarding cards.
B次元官网网址淲e intend to continue evaluating new processes and technologies as they become available to further enhance safety.B次元官网网址�
WestJet could not be reached for comment, but it has said its cabin crew can assist customers if there is space to accommodate them.
Dix said he would like to hear from the federal agencies to allay fears or explain why theyB次元官网网址檝e allowed Air Canada and WestJet to end the seat-distancing policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The minister said he will discuss the policy change with his provincial counterparts, adding heB次元官网网址檚 looking for more than just a business case from the airlines.
Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
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