If masks and SD are going to on 19th July, why still masks on planes?

[zafferana]

Okay, hear me out.

IF we get rid of masks and SD on 19th July and IF there is no requirement for a 'covid passport' to get into venues, showing either negative test, full vaccination or recent recovery from Covid, that means theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, stadiums, all at capacity and with no one knowing who is/isn't vaccinated and who may have Covid, right?

So, if that's the case, why will we still have to wear masks on planes? To get on a plane you generally need a negative Covid test (I know this varies by destination, but many currently do), or proof of full vaccination, plus HEPA filters change ALL the air in the plane every 2-3 minutes. Therefore, you should be pretty damn safe on a plane - much safer than on a train, for instance, or a bus or in any of the venues listed above.

I'm not trying to be goady, this just occurred to me while I was walking round Sainsbury's and thinking '20 more days and I won't have to be wearing this f*ing thing on my face any more'.

@ilovesooty

I'm happy for them to keep masks on planes and in airports for the moment. Hopefully it won't be long term.

Alternatively, you could wear a mask and let the rest of us decide for ourselves.

It's not up to me or the other passengers but up to the airline. If it's not an airline requirement of course people can choose. Where did I say otherwise?

@Thewiseoneincognito

But we’re not getting rid of face masks are we?

Masks wouldn't be feasible in, say, nightclubs/live music venues. So yes, I would think that (other than in certain settings) they will have to go.

Prepare to be glared at for wearing a mask post-freedom day2/3/4/5

I won't be glaring at anyone. As someone who's exempt, I've put up with a year of glares (and abuse, threats and worse), so I know how it feels.

I have made very similar comments on some very similar posts. I can’t wait till masks go, but I just can’t see it happening in 3 weeks time. So much for ‘freedom day’.

I think, at the moment, we’re the only country pushing to drop masks at such speed - so I imagine they’d be required at the other end, and therefore required on the flight, in a lot of cases.

But it’ll be a wait and see scenario.

@BlueSurfer

Planes are perfectly entitled to have their own rules and if you don’t agree or wish to abide, you don’t get to fly. Some planes will go with the legislation of their country and others will have additional H&S to protect their staff (and potential lawsuits).

My point was more: 'What's the difference between sitting in a theatre and sitting on a plane and if one is considered safe, why not the other?'

I do, of course, realise that it's my choice to do either (or neither). Personally, I'd feel far safer on a plane, where people have been tested for Covid before flying, than in a theatre, for instance.