Brazil reinstates face masks at airports, airplanes

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Health officials in Brazil announced the return of face coverings on airplanes and at airports Wednesday in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The measure is set to take effect on Nov. 25,

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) made the announcement after a board meeting Monday with experts from the health community who analyzed the latest data on the virus.

"Given the current epidemiological data, which indicate an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 in the Brazilian population, the Collegiate Board considered it necessary to resume the mandatory use of face protection masks in airports and aircraft, in order to contain the spread of the disease in the population that uses these environments," the agency said in a statement.

Anvisa said the use of masks had been recommended since August, particularly for those with flu symptoms and those considered vulnerable.

It said the agency remains "attentive, evaluating and monitoring epidemiological data, so that measures can be revisited whenever necessary."

Brazil, with a population of 214 million, has registered 35 million COVID-19 cases and recorded 689,155 deaths, according to US-based Johns Hopkins University.