American Airlines bans certain masks from its flights

American Airlines is banning certain types of masks from its flights following updated recommendations from the US CDC. The changes will affect any face masks featuring an exhaust valve or vents and will take effect from 19 August. The airline said: “The CDC notes that face coverings with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled through holes in the material. These can allow exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the coronavirus (Covid-19).” To comply with the updated rules, passengers must wear “a well-secured cloth or mask that fits snugly against the face and covers an individual’s nose and mouth”. The face covering must also be “made of a material that prevents the discharge and release of respiratory droplets from a person’s nose or mouth”. Face coverings featuring exhaust valves, that are made with materials such as mesh or lace fabrics, or that do not cover the nose and mouth are currently banned from flights. Passengers wearing face shields must also wear a face covering that complies with American Airlines’ specifications.<br/>