Are you safe from COVID-19 when taking flights?
- The airflow in an aircraft is refreshed approximately every 2 minutes
- The air in a flight cabin safer than supermarkets but not the safest
- COVID-19 still spread rapidly if necessary precautions are not taken by passengers
With the rise in passengers flying every day, you might wonder how safe is air travel? There have been observations of several harmful forms of rising in the spread of COVID-19 on flights.
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If a passenger sneezes or coughs around you, the droplets are likely to fly from the sides that open even with a mask on. The passengers who have briefly removed their masks to eat or drink something are likely to inhale these viral particles.
Research has shown that there is constant airflow in an aircraft. The air in the cabin is refreshed approximately every 2 minutes. With the higher refresh rate on planes, the goal of avoiding larger pockets of air is achieved. Even if the ventilation systems in airplanes are much safer than in supermarkets, that doesn’t ensure complete safety from getting in contact with the virus.
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Some steps to follow while traveling on flights:
1. Always wipe surfaces such as the armrest, tray table, seat pockets, touch screen, window blind, and if possible air vents with antibacterial wipes
2. Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn before flying
3. Most importantly, wear your masks and shields properly at all times
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