On Wednesday, Brazil’s health authority ANVISA announced the lifting of the mask mandate onboard aircraft, a mandate that had been enforced for almost two years. The new decision takes effect immediately, and airports and airlines across Brazil have been announcing the change in rules.
No more masks
After almost two years, masks are no longer required onboard flights in Brazil. Brazil had been quite strict with COVID restrictions, even banning the consumption of food while onboard aircraft, which was only recently allowed again. According to the Deputy Director for ANVISA, the current COVID-19 scenario in the country allows for the lifting of the mandate. In December 2020, when the mask mandate was instated, Brazil was averaging almost 750 deaths related to COVID per day. Today, the country sees about 214 deaths per day.
The vaccination rate of the largest country in South America plays a significant role in the new decision, according to ANVISA. In December 2020, vaccination had not yet begun in Brazil and today about 80% of the population has been vaccinated against the virus. Although ANVISA has allowed the consumption of food onboard and masks are no longer required, one COVID-19 requirement still stands. Airlines are to disembark aircraft row-by-row.
Azul will no longer require masks
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras quickly announced that it will no longer require masks onboard its flights. Jason Ward, Vice President of People and Customers said,
“We are excited at the news, because thanks to the advance of vaccination efforts and the reduction of COVID-19 cases throughout the entire country, air travel is returning to normal. Now, the smiles of our Crew and our Clients, which were previously hidden, will now be seen onboard our flights.”
Azul was the first airline in Brasil to announce the return of its famous inflight service, in addition to other services the airline offers at its base at the Aeroporto Internacional de Viracopos (VCP) in Campinas. The airline has reopened its Espaço Kids, a space with activities for children, and the showers at the Lounge Azul at VCP.
Airline and airport response
LATAM Brasil posted on Twitter that although the mask mandate has been lifted, it will continue to strongly encourage the voluntary use of masks onboard flights. The airline especially encourages the use of masks by those in vulnerable conditions.
GOL Linhas Aéreas and VOEPASS Linhas Aéreas have not posted anything referring to the lifting of the mask mandate. The Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo – Guarulhos announced that it will no longer require masks in its terminals, per the new ANVISA directive but that it will also continue to urge those in vulnerable conditions to use masks. The airport stated that any passengers with flu like symptoms should wear masks while in the terminals.
The new directive will take some time for the Brazilian people to adapt to. Having spent much of the pandemic in Brazil, I have seen firsthand how the country treated the containment of the virus, and believe that many passengers will continue to wear masks on flights.
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