UAE doctors advise residents to ‘mask up’ when flying as holiday travel picks up

UAE doctors advise residents to ‘mask up’ when flying as holiday travel picks up

Covid cases are on the decline but other viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also impact people’s health

Published: Fri 9 Dec 2022, 3:27 PM

Masks are no more mandatory, but the recommendation comes with an intention to protect society against viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The UAE doctors are advising passengers to mask up especially while transiting through airports and while seated in an aircraft.

With schools closing down today a lot of residents will be travelling in large numbers through international airports during the holiday season.

Dr Mitchelle Lolly, Specialist Pulmonologist with Prime Hospital Algarhoud Airport road Dubai says, “Passengers in the flight should wear masks as there is minimal social distancing in the flights. Moreover, it is a closed space with prolonged duration of closeness among the passengers. Try not to spend over 10 to 15 minutes eating when in a group and on flights as people are off masks (in that period).”

Covid cases are on the decline but other viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also impact people’s health.

She adds, “Based on our current experience, we have seen a sharp rise in influenza after masks regulations were relaxed. With events like the Fifa World