Gulf carrier Emirates announced enhanced precautionary measures that will be taken at the airport and onboard to ensure the safety of its employees and passengers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Emirates, the flagship carrier of Dubai, in a press release said that all cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff that will be in direct contact with passengers will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes a disposable gown over their uniform, gloves, masks and a safety visor. “The airport team has also installed protective barriers at each check-in desk to provide additional safety reassurance to passengers and employees during interaction over the counter,” the release said. It also said that the seats onboard Emirates flights will be pre-allocated with “vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups” in order to observe physical distancing protocols. “Emirates has also modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons. Food and beverages continue to be offered in the form of bento-styled boxes to reduce contact between the crew and customers during meal service, and minimise risk of interaction. The personal boxes provide customers with sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts,” it added. The airlines, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus by touch, has also temporarily suspended services of any magazine or print reading material onboard. “Cabin baggage are currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items,” it said.
