A view of Chennai airport. file | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said that the use of masks during air travel is not mandatory, but passengers should use them amid the dwindling number of coronavirus cases.
Till now the use of mask or face cover was mandatory while traveling in flight.
In a communication sent to scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s policy of graded approach. COVID-19 management response.
The communication said, “… henceforth in-flight announcements may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers must use a mask/face cover.”
It also said that there is no need to announce any specific reference to fine/punitive action as part of the in-flight announcements.
As per the latest official data, the total number of active coronavirus cases in the country was only 0.02% of the total infections and the recovery rate rose to 98.79%.
The number of people who have been cured of the disease increased to 4,41,28,580 and the death rate was recorded at 1.19%.