Coronavirus on an airplane: how high is the risk of getting infected while traveling

In airplanes, large numbers of passengers travel in close proximity for several hours. So how risky is it to fly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you increasing your chances of contracting COVID-19 by traveling by plane? Express.

Photo: Shutterstock

In recent days, a lot has been written about people infected with coronavirus on flights. Last week, 16 people tested positive for coronavirus on a TUI flight to Cardiff, Wales from the Greek island of Zante. Eight more infected were found on a Wizz Air flight from Crete to London. So how dangerous is it to travel by plane at the moment?

Experts are reassuring that flying is not as dangerous as many think.

“Overall, in my opinion, flying is not as dangerous as most people think,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security in Baltimore and a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “People often think of airplanes as the main vectors of virus transmission. But we haven't seen much data on infections on airplanes, except for those who were in close proximity to the infected person. We haven't heard of any serious outbreaks on planes."

The planes are now equipped with highly efficient ventilation systems.

“Hepa filters (high-efficiency particulate air filters) are effective at capturing more than 99,9 percent of airborne microbes,” the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. “The air supply is essentially sterile and free of particles.”

On the subject: 10 things you didn’t know about safety in airplanes

David Nabarro, World Health Organization (WHO) Special Envoy for COVID-19, explained that air travel is actually "relatively safe" thanks to this powerful ventilation.

“The good thing about airplanes is that the ventilation system includes really powerful filters, which means they are relatively safer,” he said.

Here, many may think that the same air is not processed or pumped through the plane throughout the entire flight.

But the modern system provides 50% fresh air and 50% filtered recirculated air to the cockpit.

Moreover, most airlines strongly require the wearing of face masks, while some keep the middle seat vacant or restrict the number of passengers on board.

On the subject: 7 ways to avoid flying on a crowded plane during a pandemic

Carriers have implemented stricter clearance and stricter temperature checks on passengers to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Fortunately, there are ways passengers can reduce their risk of illness. Hand washing remains the best.

You should wash your hands for about 20 seconds. If you do not have immediate access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand gel, if available.

Practice social distancing as much as possible. If you have a choice of seating, experts recommend choosing a window seat. This is a safer option because it limits your contact with other passengers as compared to the aisle seat.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Passengers are more important than money now: three airlines in the United States have canceled the fee for changes in booking

10 things you didn’t know about safety in airplanes

The flight attendant revealed the real purpose of seat belts on the plane

Experts have named the best day of the week for booking cheap flights

7 ways to avoid flying on a crowded plane during a pandemic

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.