Coronavirus: SIA cabin crew to wear surgical masks on board as safety precaution

SINGAPORE - Cabin crew on Singapore Airlines (SIA) are now required to wear surgical masks on board, with the measure kicking in last Saturday (March 7).

This comes amid recent developments in the past week.

It emerged last Wednesday that a woman who was later found to be infected with the coronavirus had travelled on an SIA flight from Milan to Singapore on Feb 24.

Following that, the Ministry of Health said last Friday that an SIA steward was found to be infected with the coronavirus.

He is believed to be an imported case, and had last flown on an SIA return flight from Paris in late February.

SIA previously said that while it has surgical masks on its planes, wearing the masks is voluntary for its crew.

According to a circular sent out last Friday seen by The Straits Times, SIA told crew members that wearing the surgical mask is now mandatory, "given the recent developments", without elaborating.

The circular said: "Do note that you will not be penalised for temporary removal of your mask. Please put your mask back on as soon as possible after its removal."

In response to media queries on Monday, SIA said the measure was a temporary one.

"This is the latest measure that SIA has taken to minimise the risks for both its customers and staff," said the airline.

Other measures it has announced include redirecting a service away from Milan, suspending layovers for flights to Beijing and Shanghai, and stepping up the cleaning regime for its planes.

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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.