Strict new Covid rules for flight crew
Crew on domestic flights transferring passengers to managed isolation facilities will be subject to Covid-19 tests to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
The requirement is one of a series of strict new rules for air crew that come into effect at midnight tomorrow. Health Minister Chris Hipkins said the measures added to the defence against Covid-19 entering New Zealand. ‘‘The air border is a complex ecosystem and we have made sure to take sufficient time to work with a range of stakeholders to get this strong and workable safety regime in place.’’
Hipkins said under the new rules cabin crew on domestic flights transferring passengers to managed isolation facilities would be tested due to their close proximity to international travellers. Previously there was no requirement for crew to isolate after the flights and they could go on to operate regular scheduled flights immediately afterwards.
Such flights sparked concern from one Air NZ crew member, who feared it was only a matter of time before a flight attendant caught Covid-19 from a passenger and became a source of community transmission.
Other new rules include overseas-based air crew laying over in New Zealand being required to stay in a government managed isolation facility. All overseas-based air crew will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at New Zealand airports and while travelling between the airport and their hotel. All New Zealandbased air crew will be required to use PPE on all flights and to isolate with other crew members while on overseas layovers.
New Zealand-based crew returning to New Zealand from high-risk locations overseas will be required to self-isolate for at least 48 hours after they return and until they are assessed as being low risk of having Covid-19, including receiving a negative test. Airlines have been given two weeks to get their processes in place, Hipkins said. In addition, from October 19, weekly surveillance testing for some lower-risk
New Zealand-based international air crew will start. Overseas-based air crew who have airside layovers (meaning they don’t leave the secure part of the terminal) don’t have to go into managed isolation, but must wear masks and maintain physical distancing in the terminal.
New Zealand-based air crew get treated differently to overseas-based air crew because they spend only a short time overseas, wear PPE in flight, and have strict controls on where they can go while on the ground to avoid interaction with others, Hipkins said. ‘‘This means they have a very low risk of being exposed to Covid-19.’’ Hipkins said that due to the new protections, the risk of Covid-19 spreading was low.
‘‘Reviews and audits have shown strong compliance. No cases of Covid-19 to or from air crew have been identified since guidance was introduced in April.’’
The measures are part of a Covid19 Public Health Response (Air Border, Isolation and Quarantine and Required Testing) Amendment Order 2020.
Overseas-based air crew will have to stay in a managed isolation facility.