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In this installment we review the effects that diseases have on the manufacturing industry. aviation, as well as general prevention measures for traveling in times of coronavirus. Photo credit: AP
Within an airline industry in continuous growth, the appearance of transmitted diseases especially, related to respiratory tract, they put all the actors in the sector in a complex panorama.
With the recent case of the coronavirus, it is important to remember the role of aviation in the transmission of diseases and the prevention measures that are taken both as a means of transportation., as travelers.
History and effects
This is not the first time that the planet has been affected by an airborne disease or infection., where the aviation industry has indirectly played, an important role.
This role hasn't always been for something good., since aviation has been key in “helping” spread diseases in the past.
A) Yes, we can remember one of the most recent cases, which is even very similar to what is currently happening with the coronavirus.
SARS
in november 2002 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – SARS originated in Guangzhou, reaching more than 30 countries around the world, leaving with more than 800 dead and 8.000 infected around the world.
During this pandemic, the travel industry to Asia fell by nearly a 45%, generating enormous economic losses for all its actors. For instance, During that period airlines such as Cathay Pacific reduced a 40% your flights, Singapore Airlines experienced a similar situation, Japan Airlines, ANA and many others with losses that would have greatly exceeded $2.000 million dollars according to IATA, where only Chinese airlines lost revenue over the 30%.
This event coincided with the difficult situation that the industry experienced after the terrorist attacks. 11 September 2001 and was in the process of recovery.
What happened during SARS puts the industry on alert now, even more so when from the 2003 The number of Chinese travelers to the world has grown from 6 millions to almost 70 millions of tourists during the 2019.
Since a disease of this type affects an entire continent and is not focused on a single country, The economic implications for the transportation and tourism industry lead to possible unprecedented negative figures at present., since the effects take up to 2 years to recover.
Aviation and prevention
as we indicate, Aviation is key in times of potential start of a global pandemic, Therefore, it is important that these diseases in aviation have the necessary prevention..
It is therefore, It is important to remember some general recommendations, remembering that the only authorities that will be able to give maximum alerts or impose strict controls are the World Health Organization or the local health authority based on the guidelines of the first.
passengers
It is always good to remember that the air we breathe on airplanes It is in continuous circulation and it also goes through special filters to guarantee its greatest cleanliness., but this should not be a reason not to take additional actions.
The following prevention measures are recommended for passengers:
- Avoid traveling to affected areas.
- Use of a mask in case there is an alert from the authorities.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Permanent hand disinfection.
- Do not touch eyes, mouth or nose with hands.
- When sneezing, cover yourself with a tissue or your forearm..
- In case of symptoms related to the disease in question, immediately go to a medical center..
- Inform the authorities if you visited any of the areas affected by the disease..
- Keeping the upper air nozzle open could allow better personal ventilation in case of possible sneezes from nearby passengers.
Finally, There is a statistic that indicates that a sick passenger on a plane, It has a radius of influence of up to 3 rows around him.
airports
Remembering that the only authority that can generate health alerts are the respective public organizations, it is important that:
- Airports have contingency plans that will be activated once the health authority indicates it..
- Airports have screening centers for passengers and airport personnel..
- If necessary, temporary forty rooms are activated until patients can be transferred to an appropriate health center..
- If an alert is generated, Airport personnel must wear masks and carry out dedicated personal protection processes.
Airlines
Equally, Airline companies have strict protocols for these cases., which are of a general nature based on recommendations from the corresponding health authorities and regulatory entities., similar to airport ones, but adapted to the needs and operating characteristics of an airline.
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