Masks on QF International Flights

Saw this article in SMH about QF lifting mask mandate on certain international flights where the destination doesn't require masks to be worn. Will be interesting to see how this plays out and how many people keep wearing them, and how many people stop wearing them even on flights when they are meant to be required.

Qantas to lift mask requirement on some international flights

Qantas says it will soon allow passengers to travel without masks on some international flights, even though face coverings remain compulsory on all domestic services.

www.smh.com.au

 

[cwphoto]

… and what science is your opinion based upon?

The science of evidence, research, proof etc.

The opinions of AHPPC is just noise.

 

[JohnK]

We're not the ones traumatised..

Of course you're not the one traumatised. That's why you want to get away as quickly as possible from doing something as simple as wearing a mask.

. I'm not sure why so many adults are struggling with the concept of trying to do something to protect themselves and other human beings.

 

[straitman]

The science of evidence, research, proof etc.

The opinions of AHPPC is just noise.

Can you please send elaborate and give some references? Thus far all you have provided is an option with which many disagree.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

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Paul Elias Alexander, the author of the paper you linked, is a former Trump administration official.

An authoritative source and list of studies confirming the effectiveness of masks can be found here:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC provides credible COVID-19 health information to the U.S.

www.cdc.gov

 

[NM]

So Australia has a 7 day average of Covid of 28000. So just let us presume that there are 28000 asymptomatic cases. That is 1 in 1000 Australians have asymptomatic Covid per day. That is just 40% chance that just 1 of them will be on the 400 seat planes you travel on. So you insist that 399 people who have no need to wear a mask must do so. YMBAVIP.

Ahh, but some of them may have influenza, which we know can be just as, or even more, dangerous than Covid

Assuming a person infected with influenza wearing a mask will help minimise the spread of influenza just as much as Covid.

Just noting that it makes sense to me to include influenza with Covid in the debate since they seem to be similarly contagious, can be similarly dangerous to catch, and I expect a mask worn by an infected, symptomatic and infectious person would provide similar protection reducing the likelihood of spreading their infection to others.

But the best way for me to protect myself from catching influenza or Covid from someone else is to be vaccinated and practice proper hand hygiene - wearing a mask will not stop me catching it if I remove the mask and eat something using my hands after touching something contaminated by another infectious person (a hand rail, a door knob etc.).

The best way for me to minimise the risk of spreading an infection to someone else is to wear a mask if I am experiencing any cold/flu-like symptoms and not able to remain distanced from other people. While there is a risk that I may be asymptomatic or early-infectious pre-symptomatic, I think that risk is small and acceptable.

Lets encourage people wear masks if they have any flu-like symptoms or if they feel better protected by doing so, and not make people feel uncomfortable wearing them. Its not a binary choice (pro-mask or anti-mask) so lets not berate people or tell them they are wrong because they choose to mask-up or choose not to mask-up when they have no symptoms. However, I do think anyone who has flu-like symptoms and does not wear a mask in public is being selfish - I don't want them sharing whatever they have, whether is a cold, flu, Covid or something else. Mask-up and keep it to yourself if any symptoms at all.

 

[admin]

Please stick to the topic of "Masks on QF International Flights". A whole bunch of off topic posts (which are becoming political) have been deleted.

 

[drron]

Paul Elias Alexander, the author of the paper you linked, is a former Trump administration official.

An authoritative source and list of studies confirming the effectiveness of masks can be found here:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC provides credible COVID-19 health information to the U.S.

www.cdc.gov

Have you read the CDC list of studies that "prove" masks stop infection?
The very first is the Bangladesh study which I have previously told you is not a great study and certainly doesn't prove masks are effective in reducing the chance of the wearer being infected.
Please try again.

 

[mviy]

I might choose to still wear a mask on boarding even if it's not required at that point and maybe if QF staff are seated nearby for take-off (if they are wearing masks) and perhaps at some other points, but it should be my choice whether to do it or not. When I'm seated in the cabin socially distanced from most of the other passengers it'll make little difference. In any case as we have to take the mask off to eat I don't see how a mask is likely to stop catching COVID from someone sitting next to you when they'll probably have it off for long enough to spread it during the meal.

 

[HSB44]

What are the current requirements on QF branded EK flights?

 

[sqrt()]

What are the current requirements on QF branded EK flights?

Requirements are whatever the EK rules are. I can't see how it would differ based on who sold you the ticket?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

All EK flts mandatory 100% masked

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And let me tell you what a POX product EK F is - unless your Emirates Skywards number is loaded onto the system at check-in you CANNOT access the free WiFi afforded to F pax - no ES# input and you are screwed

Crew Members tell me the constantly get this complaint and pass it up the chain but no change

Posting this via purchased WiFi on EK F - FFS what a ferkin joke

Edit: 2 hours into 1st sector and scant regard to F pax not wearing masks - clearly YMMV

2 x Double Edit: DXB still fully masked up right through terminal

 

[justinbrett]

On QF829 yesterday, post meal, one particular FA was instructing those of us still drinking to mask up in between sips.

First time I've seen that on QF metal.

 

[milehighclub]

MEL has joined the ranks of no masks at the airport. So now MEL/LAX joins the ranks of no masks. However QF9 to PER requires masks, but not for PER/LHR.

 

[Franky]

MEL has joined the ranks of no masks at the airport. So now MEL/LAX joins the ranks of no masks. However QF9 to PER requires masks, but not for PER/LHR.

And not for PER-FCO, as Mark McGown is flying that route, but ridiculously enforced for the 16 hour flight FCO-PER ….

 

[straitman]

And not for PER-FCO, as Mark McGown is flying that route, but ridiculously enforced for the 16 hour flight FCO-PER ….

Stupidity personified.

 

[marki]

Stupidity personified.

Totally agree

 

[marki]

On QF829 yesterday, post meal, one particular FA was instructing those of us still drinking to mask up in between sips.

First time I've seen that on QF metal.

Worthy of Qantas - service(insanity) medal called - flight attendant helicopter behaviour.

And for those that think mask mandating is necessary listen to the opinion of a industrial hygienist Mr Petty the link is below. Via twitter

https://twitter.com/x/status/1511369896885686277

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Stupidity personified.

Each to their own. Italy doesn’t care if ‘x’ number of people arrive with covid having spread during the flight. WA does, and doesn’t want it to happen. WA’s thinking may go beyond the health of those on board, and to the protection of the general population.

 

[offshore171]

Each to their own. Italy doesn’t care if ‘x’ number of people arrive with covid having spread during the flight. WA does, and doesn’t want it to happen. WA’s thinking may go beyond the health of those on board, and to the protection of the general population.

Western Australia has more than double the daily cases (per capita) of Italy. There's literally more chance of WA sending covid to Italy than the reverse.

Data from Covidlive.com.au (as at 26/6/2022)

	Pop	7d average	%pop
Italy	60300000	45,444	0.08%
WA	2700000	4,735	0.18%	2.33	Times higher per capita