FG - Pilots, other crew members must wear PPEs

The Federal Government has declared that pilots and other crew members operating international flights must now wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe infection prevention and control measures for the duration of the flight.

It disclosed this in the COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Protocols for Nigeria-based crew, which was released by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

The protocol also stated that the flight crew would not be quarantined but would undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 every 14 days at a cost to the air operator upon return to Nigeria.

It added that flight crew members who test positive for COVID-19 would be taken to a treatment centre for further management.

In a letter with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/120, 27th May 2020, signed by the Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, to all operators, airports, and other service providers, the agency said the new protocol had been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health.

It said that the protocol replaced the current practice where Nigeria-based flight crew members who operate international flights were quarantined for 14 days upon their return to Nigeria.

It stated that Nigeria-based airlines/aircrew wishing to conduct flight operations outside the country shall ensure the orientation and sensitisation of crew on Infection Prevention and Control measures as per training and guidance from public health authorities.

The authority said the airlines must ensure they have adequate stock of PPE, a minimum of 70 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitisers and Universal Precaution Kits onboard aircraft before the flight.

Providing further guidelines on how the crew should use the PPEs, the NCAA said flight deck crew should wear non-medical face mask and gloves.

“Face mask can be removed when the cockpit door is closed for safety reasons,” it stated.

For cabin crew, it said they should use a non-medical face mask, gloves, disposal surgical gowns, and safety visors/goggles.

“Ensure the safe removal of gloves after performing specific tasks. Avoid touching their face and eyes with unclean hands,” the agency said.

It added, “Flight crew is to ensure that all passengers wear a non-medical face mask for the duration of the flight except when eating or using emergency oxygen.

Flight crew are to ensure that passengers rub their hands with alcohol-based sanitiser as they embark on the aircraft.

Put up a notice in the lavatory/washroom on handwashing that requests passengers wash their hands after using the lavatory."

The NCAA said flight crew was to maintain a safe distance between passengers and themselves, avoiding direct physical contact.

It said the cabin crew would serve only pre-packed meals to passengers, adding that where practicable, the flight crew would reserve one lavatory for their own use.