Before or During a flight

  • Avoid travel if you have a fever or cough.
  • Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever or cough.
  • Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  • If you become sick while traveling, inform crew and seek medical care early.
  • Eat only well-cooked food.
  • Maintain personal hygiene. Don’t put yourself & others at risk.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue, dispose the tissue immediately and wash hands.

If a passenger shows signs of being ill:

  • Make use of protective equipment (single use gloves and mask) when in contact with passengers exhibiting symptoms of an acute respiratory infection (cough, frequent sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing)
  • Use gloves when handling items such as used napkins, glasses and food trays.

Airlines and operators should ensure that:

  • A sufficient quantity of potable water is available onboard prior to departure.
  • A sufficient number of gloves is available on board.
  • Disinfectant gel is available for the crew.
  • Minimise the time while on the ground with passengers onboard, without air conditioning/ventilation.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • pain in the muscles and
  • tiredness.

More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to the death of the patient. People with existing chronic conditions seem to be more vulnerable to severe illness.