The Ethiopian Airlines has been implementing all the recommendations of WHO and other Global Health and Travel, regulators. As international travel plan is interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian is offering hassle-free travel date change and refund process.
In order to control the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Ethiopia has decided to quarantine all arriving passengers entering Ethiopia for 14 days at the expense of the passengers except returnee migrants who cannot afford their own expense.
Accordingly, all arriving passengers entering Ethiopia after March 23, 2020, will be placed in a mandatory quarantine at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel and Ghion Hotel for 14 days at the passengers’ expense. Others those are unable to cover the cost will be quarantined at universities and other places supported by government and volunteer organizations and individuals. Diplomats will be quarantined at their respective Embassies. The 14 days quarantine does not apply to transit passengers.
Transit passengers holding connecting flight bookings will stay at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel until their connecting flight. In response to the latest developments in the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, Ethiopian is taking extra steps to ensure its customers’ health and comfort, and to provide passengers with confidence and peace of mind when planning their travel.
The document from the airline showed that all aircraft departing from its hub in Addis, Ethiopian Airlines has implemented enhanced cleaning and complete disinfection of all cabins as a precaution. In line with the latest expert medical finding that the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted by touch, Ethiopian has placed its greatest focus on surface cleaning. It uses an approved chemical that is proven to kill viruses and germs, leaves a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi on surfaces, and is eco-friendly.
The cleaning process includes a comprehensive wipe down of all surfaces – from windows, tray tables, seatback screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls, panels, air vents and overhead lockers in the cabin, to lavatories, galleys, and crew rest areas. All of this is done in addition to other normal procedures such as changing headrest covers on all seats, replacement of reading materials, vacuuming, and more.
All of the Ethiopian aircraft are fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cabin air filters which are proven to filter out 99.97% of viruses. They also remove dust, allergens, and microbes from the air re-circulated into the cabin and cockpit, which helps to provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for the passengers and crew.
Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said that hand sanitizer is available in airports, lounges and on aircraft. Customers and employees are welcome to use this as required.
“We also encourage regular hand washing. All of our aircraft are equipped with biohazard kits and we have gloves, hand sanitizer, and face masks to keep our staff and crew safe.”
The safety and security of passengers and employees is always the top priority of Ethiopian Airlines. Accordingly, the airline is working closely with WHO, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to ensure passengers’ health and comfort as they fly with the airline.
Medics stationed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and carry out continuous health screenings 24/7. The flight crew is also equipped with all safety equipment they need to protect themselves and passengers from possible infection.
Unless there is a travel restriction imposed on travel itinerary, Ethiopian continues its operation and keeps its passengers notified for any travel readjustments. However, because of the operational challenges faced due to COVID-19, EAL has altered some of its services.
Passengers whose travel date falls between 01 March and 30 June 2020 are eligible to re-book their tickets for travels until 31 December 2020. Keep their ticket for future use, there is no need to call or email to change the ticket. The airline will keep the ticket as open status for 12 months from the date of original ticket issuance so that they can rebook it whenever they decide to travel. Travelers can request a travel voucher for trips up to one year ahead.
“We are forced to fly to only 19 out of 110 international destinations that the airline used to fly to pre-COVID-19 times,” said Tewolde at a news conference. “Our cargo and maintenance services are doing well.”
Tewolde noted that if anyone has traveled internationally in the last 14 days, they need to stay home, monitor their health, and practice social distancing for 14 days after they return from travel. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet or 2 meters from others when possible.
He further explained that widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by coronavirus is occurring globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one may be exposed to the virus while traveling from sick persons at airports, or on airplanes, ships, trains, or buses. Many countries are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from the entry with little advance notice.
Many airlines have canceled most international flights and domestic travel may be unpredictable. If someone chooses to travel internationally, the traveler may be severely disrupted, and have to be a delay for an indefinite length of time.
Zewdu Assefa, COVID-19’s Director at Public Health Institute, told The Ethiopian Herald CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel. If they must travel, they need to avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best protection method. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose. Avoid traveling if anyone feels sick, noted Zewdu.
As to Zewdu, illness with COVID-19 has ranged from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms of infection include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. This new coronavirus has caused severe disease and death in patients who developed pneumonia. Risk factors for severe illness are not yet clear, although older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at risk.
The Ethiopian Herald April 21/2020
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE
