Last edit by: NewbieRunner
Moderator announcement - June 23, 2020:
Flyertalk’s moderators generally take a hands-off approach when it comes to judging the accuracy of members’ statements. While that’s fine for travel debates, a pandemic is clearly a more serious issue.
A meta-analysis of 172 studies that looked at various interventions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, SARS and MERS from an infected person to people close to them, published in The Lancet on June 1, found that mask wearing significantly reduces the risk of viral transmission.
Given the science, the forum moderators are disallowing any further posts that debate whether or not masks should be worn. Posts that do so will be deleted and members subject to discipline.
Please also note, we do not allow posting of conspiracy theories or racist terms used in place of Covid-19, coronavirus, etc.
- Coronavirus and Travel moderator team
Flyertalk’s moderators generally take a hands-off approach when it comes to judging the accuracy of members’ statements. While that’s fine for travel debates, a pandemic is clearly a more serious issue.
A meta-analysis of 172 studies that looked at various interventions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, SARS and MERS from an infected person to people close to them, published in The Lancet on June 1, found that mask wearing significantly reduces the risk of viral transmission.
Given the science, the forum moderators are disallowing any further posts that debate whether or not masks should be worn. Posts that do so will be deleted and members subject to discipline.
Please also note, we do not allow posting of conspiracy theories or racist terms used in place of Covid-19, coronavirus, etc.
- Coronavirus and Travel moderator team
Coronavirus and masks/face coverings [Consolidated thread]
#121
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
That is ridiculous and yes, that is over-reacting IMO. There are loads of reasons to have a cough and almost all of them nothing to do with CORVID-19. Mind you... it would worry us enough for us to keep our distance where ever possible. Sensible IMO because you don't know.

#122
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 716
It’s possible to believe the coronavirus is being sensationalised in general, while still recognising that it carries serious risks for those that are more vulnerable than the average person.
if it were only those at higher risk that were panic-buying masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (!) etc then we wouldn’t have a problem here.
But unfortunately the hysteria is far more contagious than the virus.
if it were only those at higher risk that were panic-buying masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (!) etc then we wouldn’t have a problem here.
But unfortunately the hysteria is far more contagious than the virus.

#123
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: LCY
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,207
There was a story in a Norwegian newspaper today about a Swedish woman who was hung over on BA12 after a rather heavy night in Singapore, but the crew suspected corona. The flight got the royal salute on arrival, and put into quarantine on arrival. She is now in quarantine in London where she lives. I’m unable to find a link right now, but perhaps this was the culprit. FYI she tested negative.
If it's the same story i'm thinking of, the passenger complained of bad headache, feeling ill and suggested she'd feel better if she were to have a flat bed.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...racetamol.html

#124
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bombay
Programs: EC Blue, EB Silver, FB Gold
Posts: 548
That is indeed the same one hehe.

#125
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: KOI
Programs: BA
Posts: 305
I had this argument with a coworker the other day. Something like 60% of Chinese doctors smoke so there’s a greater than even chance that bloke was a smoker, which puts him in a higher risk category. He could have also had a pre existing condition we didn’t know about (I’m a similar age and am classified as a risk group for coronavirus due to a pre existing heart condition). I’m still not worried for me (medically)

#126
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: KOI
Programs: BA
Posts: 305
Almost all of the toilet doors I have used in supermarkets and department stores open inwards towards the toilet so that I have to touch the handle with my recently washed hands to get out. I am in the habit now of carrying clean, un-used tissues in my pocket to use on my way out so I don't have to touch anything with clean hands.

#127
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: KOI
Programs: BA
Posts: 305
If it's the same story i'm thinking of, the passenger complained of bad headache, feeling ill and suggested she'd feel better if she were to have a flat bed. 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...racetamol.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...racetamol.html

#128
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,637
The interesting thing is, the main door that you enter the building may not be classed as an emergency escape (although in most cases they are), and they can open inwards only. In such cases, look for the green running man sign above the door, if there is non, that door should NOT be used as an emergency escape and there usually will be one (or more) close by, such as to the sides.

#129
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,584
Almost all of the toilet doors I have used in supermarkets and department stores open inwards towards the toilet so that I have to touch the handle with my recently washed hands to get out. I am in the habit now of carrying clean, un-used tissues in my pocket to use on my way out so I don't have to touch anything with clean hands.

#130
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: 42.1% in PDX , 49.9% in PVG & 8% in the air somewhere
Programs: Marriott Ambassador Elite, UA 1K, AS MVP GLD 75K, DL Pt
Posts: 1,086
Should one travel, if elective comes down to your personal health conditions and your risk tolerance, sorry that is a lame response.
As to wear mask, this is a good read:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/13/o...effective.html
Everyone is saying wash your hand wash you hands, keep your surfaces clean etc. etc, but you can wash all you want but then you touch the paper dispenser or handle or rail and then touch your face, so what, LOL
As to wear mask, this is a good read:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/13/o...effective.html
Everyone is saying wash your hand wash you hands, keep your surfaces clean etc. etc, but you can wash all you want but then you touch the paper dispenser or handle or rail and then touch your face, so what, LOL

#131
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: BA blue,, aeroplan 25K
Posts: 990
unless it’s properly fitted protective N95 or such mask the level of value is quite low. And for a variety of reasons, not just it’s lack of filtering ability- ie most don’t know how to don it, they increase their face touching etc...
however it seems this particular virus is transmitted mainly through “droplets” not just floating in the air so to speak: and so a decent surgical mask worn properly and with minimal face touching and proper other hygiene protocols may and probably does confer some level of protection to the wearer in an environment where that exists even if it is minimal.
clearly not touching public surfaces, hand rails chairs tables door handles etc and making sure you wash with soap and water or a high alcohol hand sanitizer for a minimum of 20 seconds and not touching your eyes and face is much more important, I wouldn’t discount masks completely. It’s just for the average person they aren’t worn properly and if they add to face touching may actually increase risk

#132
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Miles and More(FTL), IHG(Platinum), Accor, HHonors(Diamond), SPG, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 4,514
If a mask helps people avoid touching their face then they are welcome to wear them

#133
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 21,770
Please follow this thread, which originated in the British Airways forum, as it moves to the dedicated Coronavirus and travel forum.
Prospero
Moderator: BA forum
Prospero
Moderator: BA forum

#134
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Alaska 75K, Delta Silver, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 7,550
Heading to SE Asia later this month. Will I be asked/forced to wear mask? Totally healthy, and have been traveling all over the world last few months. US-based - CDC does not recommend wearing masks unless you are sick (for the benefit of others).

#135
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: 42.1% in PDX , 49.9% in PVG & 8% in the air somewhere
Programs: Marriott Ambassador Elite, UA 1K, AS MVP GLD 75K, DL Pt
Posts: 1,086
In the Far East the only people that wore them were sick or trying to avoid the bad air there ( why I wore them ), now they wear because of expectation, don't ask, just look around and see if you want to stand out, LOL
