EVA Air H1N1 Influenza Prevention Measures

In line with recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, EVA Air has taken steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus and offers the following information for passengers:

1. Safeguarding Your Health
It is recommended that you wear a surgical mask while aboard an aircraft to avoid the chance of airborne transmission of the H1N1 virus. Increased hand washing will also diminish the chance of transmission by hand-to mouth contact. If you have a fever or other symptoms of the flu, we suggest you postpone your flight plans or get a doctor’s certificate of fitness to travel — you may be asked to produce one in order to board your flight.

2. Quarantine Procedures at International Airports
To comply with quarantine requirements at international airports, quarantine information will be broadcast in the aircraft cabin. Passengers are required to fill out health declaration forms, and will be assisted in fulfilling any quarantine requirements at their destination.

3. Aircraft Sterilization
When an aircraft has carried a person suspected of being infected with H1N1, it will be thoroughly disinfected after the flight. To eliminate the chance of contaminating sterile surfaces, cleaning staff are required to wear gloves and surgical masks when cleaning galleys and washroom areas.

4. Cabin Air Circulation
EVA Air uses HEPA Cabin Air Recirculation Filters, which offer superior performance to any other type of filter. According to Boeing Corp, the HEPA filters reduce airborne viral particles by 94 to 99.9%. Recalculated air accounts for only 50% of cabin air, while 50% is clean, fresh air drawn in from outside the aircraft. The entire cabin air volume is replaced 20 to 30 times each hour.

5. Treatment of Suspected Infected Passengers 
Passengers believed to be infected with H1N1 will be isolated from other passengers if there are enough empty seats aboard the aircraft to do so. If there are no empty seats, then passengers within three rows of the suspected infected passenger will be issued with surgical masks as a precaution. The suspected infected passenger will be served by a cabin crew member wearing a protective mask, and a washroom will be designated for their exclusive use. In such cases, the cabin crew will also strengthen sterilization procedures, including the use of additional anti-pathogen, air-purifying sprays.

6. Autonomous Health Management of Service Personnel
All EVA Air personnel will have their body temperature taken before and after each flight. Those with an ear temperature of over 38C will be asked not to take up their duties and to seek medical attention instead. EVA Air’s management is taking a proactive approach to this unprecedented health risk, and has advised all airline personnel to boost preventative health measures, such as frequently washing hands. Constantly updated health information regarding H1N1 is available through the company’s website.

According to the International Air Transport Association(IATA) and the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines(AAPA), the H1N1 health crisis has not reached the level where passengers should consider canceling or postponing travel. EVA Air’s comprehensive approach to managing H1N1 risks mean that passengers can relax and enjoy safe air travel as usual.