Precautions and Habits – Covid in Pearson International Airport
On March 9, 2022, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, announced that the province’s mask mandate will end in most settings on March 21. This came as a great relief to many persons who were against the wearing of the masks. It has also become one of the most frightening thing for those who are still fearful of contracting the virus and also those who are trying to reduce the spread.
One of the most prevalent areas for Covid contraction is airports. With so many people being near to each other in the airport, in the check-in lines, and not to mention the plane, it is very easy to contract or spread in a place where contact is unavoidable. Pearson International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada and is a hub for many travelers who will be going to different corners of the world. It is a risk to those both leaving the airport and those who are coming in.
The mask mandate ending in certain setting has caused a lot of persons in the airport to sit or walk around without their masks on. Usually, the only time you are allowed to remove your mask is if your are eating or drinking something. Some persons decide to take more of a liberty with this. This has caused the security personnel in the airport to intervene and make sure that they maintain the safety of other persons nearby and also to the person who is not complying.
Adrian is a security officer in Pearson and spoke about what he has experienced since the mask mandate has been relaxed. He said, “Some people are easier than others because sometimes people genuinely forget to put on their and the other times are the ones who don’t want to listen.” He continued by saying, “I have not seen any of those recently but my co-workers tell me when they get into those situations.” He went on to say that it is still mandatory to wear the mask in the airport but the relaxing of the mandate does create some confusion.
Airhostess, Sharlene, said, “I think it should just be a good habit to adopt when you’re in an area and cant’ avoid being close to someone, you will be doing yourself and the person next to you a favor.” Sharlene also shared Adrian’s thought with the mandate relaxation and the confusion it can cause. “I’ve seen people who do not wear their mask because that’s what they are accustomed to and there’s also the opposite.”
Pearson has continued to ensure the safety of everyone in the airport by using proper signage and have sanitation stations around every corner. They continue their policy of spaced seating to continue encouraging social distancing among people who are not in the same groups.
Both Sharlene and Adrian think that Pearson has done a sufficient job of keeping the environment safe and agree that it comes down to the individual. Adrian said, “I wear my mask and there are enough signs and sanitizer for you to be in the minority, make my life easier.”
