The increase in Covid-19 cases caused Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) adopt a new preventive measure against the spread of Coronavirus. After three months, the use of masks in airports and planes is once again mandatory throughout Brazilian territory.
The agency's determination is valid for this Friday, 25 of November of 2022. The proposal is to avoid mass contagion, especially during school holidays and end-of-year festivities.. In the last few weeks, the average number of new Covid cases was 18.592, recording an increase in 261%.
In the same period, the average number of deaths reached 65, growth of 47% when compared to the previous week. In response to the increase in hospitalizations due to Coronavirus, Anvisa management met this Monday, 21, with other health and epidemiology entities.
The emergence of a new variant of the omicron, and BN1, Authorities have also been worried about a new wave of Covid-19. The determination was decided by the majority of the board. Like this, only the director of the agency, Daniel Pereira, was not in favor of returning to mandatory.
Anvisa rules
Regarding the models of masks allowed in airports and flights, Anvisa was careful. That's why, passengers and visitors will not be able to use accessories made of plastic, acrylic or with suction valves (N95 is PFF2). Scarves or bandanas will also not be allowed..
Other than that, the protective accessory must always be well adjusted to the mouth, chin and nose, It can only be removed to hydrate or feed the user. The order is valid for everyone, except autistic, children under three years of age and intellectually disabled, sensory or other factors that make the use of the accessory difficult.
In addition to these determinations, the mask must also be used in transport and vehicles in boarding and disembarking environments. Just like at airports and flights, Anvisa is encouraging the population to wear masks in closed places and on public transport in general.
Determinations at airports
Between 2020 e 17 August this year, Anvisa maintained the use of masks at airports and domestic flights as an obligation. In May this year, the agency also decided that on-board service could be provided normally again.
Nonetheless, due to the need for protection, the agency backed down on decisions. Representatives of the Infectious Diseases Society participated in Monday's meeting, from Conass (National Council of Municipal Health Secretariats), from Conasems, from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and the Brazilian Public Health Association.
In addition to entities, epidemiologists Wanderson Oliveira and Carla Domingues were also present at the debate.
