Brazil removes requirement to wear masks on planes and in airports

Brazilian authorities lifted the requirement to wear a face mask on airplanes and in airports, which had been in effect since May 2020 – weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in the country.

The National Health Regulator (Anvisa) ruled Wednesday that wearing a mask on planes and in airports is no longer mandatory, although it recommends it in both environments.

“Given the current epidemiological scenario, the wearing of masks, previously taken as a collective measure, becomes an individual protective measure,” Anvisa said, reiterating that mask-wearing and spatial distance are effective measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Anvisa itself had already liberalized in-flight service on airplanes in May, but maintained the use of masks.

Despite the relaxation, the health agency maintained mandatory provision of alcohol gel on planes and at airports, cleaning and disinfection procedures, air conditioning, row-by-row deplaning, and audible warnings recommending mask use.

The measure coincides with a drop in epidemiological numbers for COVID-19 in Brazil, with a rolling average of 175 deaths in the last seven days, the lowest level in 55 days and down 16 percent from two weeks ago.

Brazil is one of the most pandemic-affected countries in the world, with the second highest number of deaths (more than 682,000 people) and the third highest number of positive cases (more than 33 million).