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ANVISA new guidance on sanitary measures for aircrews in Brazil


31/03/2020 - 9:05 | Author: Proinde

On 30 March 2020, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) issued a consolidation of health recommendations and guidelines to be adopted by flight crews as well as airlines and airport operators to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. A free translation reads as follows:

QUOTE

Guidance on sanitary measures for aircrews in Brazil

Considering the emergence of the new coronavirus Sars-CoV-2, the Brazilian Health Authority began to adopt recommendations with a view to its operations at airports, based on the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

Among the general actions and recommendations for health surveillance on aircraft due to the declared public health emergency of international and national concern, the authority advises on the adoption of the following measures by the crew of international and domestic flights carrying passengers or cargo:

Guidelines for crew 

Inside the aircraft during flight:  

  • Before the flight, make sure that liquid soap and running water are available in the lavatories and alcohol gel at the entrance of the aircraft and next to the toilets.
  • Whenever possible, allocate the passengers distant from each other within the aircraft, considering the current reduction in the number of air travellers.
  • Sanitise the hands before and after the flight service. Keep an alcohol gel dispenser in the galley to increase the frequency of hand hygiene during the flight.
  • During the flight, crewmembers who have direct and close contact with passengers should wear hospital masks.
  • On landing, the crew should follow the travel recommendations and guidelines announced by the airport and authorities in the cities they are landing.
  • Avoid using too many ornaments, especially rings and bracelets, to facilitate the correct hand hygiene when necessary.
  • Crewmembers showing symptoms during the flight must distance themselves from the others as much as possible, use a mask and refrain from engaging in more activities of service to passengers.

(a) In any situation, regardless of the indication for the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) or not, the crew should always adopt preventive measures, such as use paper issues for nasal hygiene; cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing; avoid touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth; and sanitise hands after coughing or sneezing
(b) frequent handwashing with soap and water.
(c) when hands are not visibly soiled, you may use alcohol gel to sanitise the hands.
(d) Practice respiratory etiquette.
(e) Do not share personal items, such as cutlery, dishes, glasses, bottles, and other utensils.
(f) Avoid touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth without first sanitising the hands.

During the rest of stayover in Brazil 

  • Be aware of care and precaution during the transfer from the airport to the place of accommodation.
  • Do not use public transportation.
  • Prefer accommodation in a well-ventilated single room.
  • The room should be cleaned daily.
  • Maintain social distancing and stay inside the room as much as possible.
  • If you need to leave the room, adopt a social distancing of two meters.
  • Prefer eating inside the accommodation.
  • Do not go to events with people gathering.
  • Avoid travelling at the slightest signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing).
  • At the onset of symptoms, immediately report to the employer and establish 14-day isolation. In this case, meals must be taken inside the accommodation.
  • Inform the accommodation management on the onset of symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with other people if presenting signs or symptoms.
  • Do not share objects of personal use, such as cutlery, dishes, glasses, bottles, and other utensils.
  • Avoid touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth without first sanitising the hands.
  • If you used the same clothes in the next work shift, ensure that it is washed and clean.

While at home (country of origin): 

  • Beware of COVID-19 risk in your local community.
  • Follow the guidelines of the health authority of your state or county.
  • Avoid busy places and adopt social distancing.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick, inform the employer and do not travel.

Self-health monitoring: 

  • Know the location of the reference hospital closest to your accommodation.
  • Monitor your health condition, follow the guidelines provided by the occupational health program of your employer.
    • For the rest of the time, pay attention to your health and observe if there is a fever, coughing, or difficulty breath. (Fever means feel feverish or have bodily temperature as from 37.8°C)
  • If you feel feverish or have coughing or difficulty breathing, check your temperature.
  • It is recommended that the program of occupational health of your employer contacts you periodically to make sure that you are well.

Guidelines for the Brazilian and foreign airlines 

  • Regardless of residence or travel history, crewmembers with known exposure to persons with COVID-19 should be evaluated and monitored on a case-by-case basis. Crewmembers with high-risk exposure should be removed for 14 days.
  • Brazilians crewmembers may go home when they return to their bases.
  • Crew self-monitoring of health should be supervised.
  • Establish a plan of action in the event of a crewmember presents symptoms during an overnight layover.
  • Provide information to crewmembers on health services available in the cities in which they are staying overnight.
  • Make sure that the crewmembers do not show symptoms before embarking on a flight.

UNQUOTE

Read more about other health measures in Brazilian ports and airports.

 

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