Covid-19 updates
COVID-19 Update 82
Tuesday 14 July 2020
Dear AOA Member,
As our sector had to grapple with the issue of face coverings, the Government after much deliberation over the past couple of days has decided that wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets in England will be mandatory from the 24 July. It will be enforced by the police and not shop staff. Those who fail to comply will face a fine up to £100. As part of this new approach to face coverings, the Department for Transport is reviewing the current face masks policy across the transport network: it would be helpful if members could express any concerns with a mandatory face masks policy at UK airports to the team here. We understand the ongoing issue as to who might enforce such a policy in the airport environment, and the department is said to be working through that, but if there are any other serious concerns as to why a mandatory face mask policy could not apply in airport terminals, please get in touch.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, in a more business-as-usual piece of work, I will be appearing in front of the International Trade Committee which will be taking evidence on the Government’s freeports proposal and how freeports might benefit the UK’s economy. The concept is supported by the Chancellor and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and could see the UK identify up to 10 locations for “freeport status” across the country. I will be putting forward the AOA’s understanding of Government proposals so far.
Other items of note:
- The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has today published: The collapse of Thomas Cook – the Government’s response to the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations.
- The CAA has published the latest operational measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on aircraft. The measures can be found here and are worth a look for airport operational teams.
Best wishes,
Karen Dee
Chief Executive
