A recent study published by the Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health states that right now, in the background of the pandemic, going out to buy groceries is more dangerous than taking a flight.
The study aims to show the importance of layered strategies that could mitigate the risk of infection. It does not vouch for a single strategy but proposed a combination of strategies to stay safe during flights. The study shows the effectiveness of various non-pharmaceutical measures to contain the spread of the virus. It says that measures such as wearing of face masks consistent ventilation, disinfection of surfaces and ample social distancing while boarding and de-boarding the plane can mitigate transmission risks on airplanes.
The study was funded by airlines, airline manufacturers and airports, but the Harvard researchers stated that it did not influence their findings.
If anything, the report found, aircraft ventilation in fact enhances protection and dilutes and removes airborne contagions in comparison to other indoor spaces such as restaurants, offices and educational institutions. It is also substantially better than residential situations. The study stated "This level of ventilation effectively counters the proximity travellers will be subjected to during flights. The level of ventilation provided aboard aircraft will substantially reduce the opportunity for person-to-person transmission of infectious particles, when coupled with consistent compliance with mask-wearing policies".
