Friday 29 March 2024
 7°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Coronavirus / Loganair to let passengers and staff decide on face coverings

The airline – as well as NorthLink and the council – is recommending passengers use masks when travelling

A Loganair flight preparing to take off from Sumburgh Airport. Photo: Shetland News

LOGANAIR says it will be up to passengers to decide if they want to use a face covering on board a flight once the legal restriction ends in Scotland on Monday (18 April).

However, the airline says it will follow government guidance to “strongly recommend” the wearing of masks.

On Monday the requirement for people to wear face coverings in Scotland in certain indoor public settings, like shops, and on public transport will end.

They will still be recommended, though, with first minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighting instances like crowded places and public transport.

Loganair is also giving crew members on board flights the choice between wearing one or not.

“It will become the choice of each Loganair customer, and each Loganair crew member, to decide whether they wish to wear a face covering aboard,” a spokesperson said.

“This will be the case unless more restrictive laws of any country to or from which we’re flying apply, or – in the case of Loganair’s charter flights – the charterer has determined that it wishes to mandate the wearing of face coverings for its travellers.

“Wearing of face coverings remains mandatory on all Loganair flights until this change takes effect on 18 April. We thank our customers in advance for their continuing co-operation.”

Meanwhile NorthLink Ferries is strongly recommending that face coverings “continue to be worn in our ports and ships particularly where significant numbers of people are present”.

“This is for the safety and wellbeing of fellow passengers and our crew,” the ferry operator said.

More locally Shetland Islands Council is also recommending for passengers to continue wearing face coverings while travelling on public bus services or in enclosed spaces on inter-island ferries.

“Passengers are asked to be considerate of others on board who choose to wear face coverings,” a spokesperson said.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.