In addition to the Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) issued last week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission Directorate for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) have released updated advice to operators related to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The advice covers concrete preparedness and response recommendations at points of entry in the EU, as well as the wider European Economic Area (EEA) countries The new materials include a poster “Advice for operators and their crews” and interim advice for points of entry.

In addition, EASA recommends that operators should ensure that;

• A sufficient quantity of drinking water is available onboard prior to departure.
• A sufficient number of gloves is available onboard prior to departure.
• Disinfectant gel is made available to the crew and passengers.
• While on the ground with passengers onboard, the maximum time without air conditioning/ventilation should be less than 30 minutes.

Should you wish more information, please also see the DG SANTE summary report.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), common signs of Corona infection include “respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties”.

WHO standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include “regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing”.

To keep updated with WHO advice for international travel and trade, refer to the WHO website.

EBAA will provide further updates as appropriate.