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LETTER: Airborne illnesses should be masked by airlines

A lot of people are boarding aircraft of all companies when they are extremely ill, with many fliers suffering from viruses and airborne illnesses.
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A lot of people are boarding aircraft of all companies when they are extremely ill, with many fliers suffering from viruses and airborne illnesses.

I recently flew from Calgary to Comox with a fellow passenger sneezing so hard behind me that the passenger next to me had to wipe what flew over the seat off his iPad with a tissue. He actually turned to me and said ‘I can see why you wear a mask.’

I think it would be a broad and helpful hint if face masks were available on entry to an aircraft to encourage (not force) boarders with illnesses to use them. I believe this is a social issue that could become an acceptable habit if airlines took the initiative to provide such masks. This might just encourage a change in attitude regarding flying without one (when ill) and lead to passengers bringing their own. Just a thought.

Diana Meyer

Parksville