HEATHROW has scrapped face masks from today – in a boost to Brits heading off on their hols.
As of this morning, passengers travelling from Heathrow Airport don’t need to wear face coverings in terminals, as Covid measures are relaxed.
While airport bosses do still recommend passengers wear masks, the choice is now up to them.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “In recognition that the pandemic is not over, Heathrow strongly encourages those at the airport to continue wearing a face covering – particularly when coming into close contact with others – although this will no longer be a firm requirement.”
Masks will still be available at the airport for anyone who wants to wear one.
Bosses have warned that “Heathrow will not hesitate to reinstate the mandatory use of face coverings at the airport should a significant rise in Covid cases or a future variant of concern materialise”.
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Emma Gilthorpe, chief operating officer at Heathrow, said: “We acted quickly to institute face coverings as one of our first lines of defence, and we’re pleased that we’re now able to move away from a mandatory requirement as society learns to live with Covid longer term.
“While we still recommend wearing them, we can be confident the investments we’ve made in Covid-secure measures – some of which aren’t always visible – combined with the fantastic protection provided by the vaccine will continue to keep people safe while travelling.
“We’re gearing up for a busy summer travel season, and this change means we can look forward to welcoming our passengers back with a smile as we get them safely on their journeys.”
Today, British Airways has also ditched face coverings for passengers who are jetting off to a destination where masks aren’t mandated.
BA follows in the footsteps of TUI and Jet2, which have both also scrapped mandatory face masks on flights in recent weeks.
Ryanair is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks, as the airline’s boss said face masks are likely to be dropped from flights by spring.
The UK scrapped compulsory face masks in public spaces and on some public transport back in January, although are still encouraged.
France has also lifted its face mask policy – with the exception of public transport and care homes.
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And Spain is expected to scrap masks within the next three weeks, according to experts.
If that’s put you in the mood to jet off abroad, you can bag £150 off last-minute long-haul holidays in March and April with a special code.
