British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer and Health Minister have issued a joint statement applauding WestJet for implementing measures that will help public health officials in their contact tracing endeavours in the event of a positive COVID-19 case on board a flight.
According to the statement, WestJet representatives met with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix to find out how they could help public health.
As a result, on Friday the company announced that starting September 1, all passengers travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop will be required to provide their contact information at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks.
By the end of September, WestJet will have updated their systems so that guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen that asks for their contact info, and will have to provide up-to-date details before getting a boarding pass.
“Throughout this pandemic, our contact tracers have had challenges reaching people who were exposed to the virus while flying—because of the limited information available on traditional flight manifests,” reads the joint statement from Henry and Dix.
“The decision they announced today—to collect names and contact information for each of their passengers at check-in and share it with public health if a COVID-19 case is identified on a flight—is something we discussed at that meeting and will help us immensely.”
See also: WestJet, Air Canada to remove seat distancing policies
Earlier this month Henry and Dix expressed frustration at airlines not providing timely contact information on passengers aboard flights, making it difficult for public health to contact trace in case a traveller tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition to vowing to collect contact information, WestJet is also instating a ‘Zero Tolerance Mask Policy’ starting September 1.
The airline has required travellers to wear face coverings since April 20, however starting next week, those who refuse to obey will face strict penalties.
“Masks are mandated by our regulator and the vast majority of our guests are happy to keep themselves and each other safe by complying,” said Ed Sims, The WestJet Group President and CEO, in a statement.
“This enhanced policy provides clarity on how we will enforce the regulation for those who don’t. Travellers must understand if they choose to not wear a mask, they are choosing not to fly our airlines.”
Passengers who refuse to comply with the mandate will be handled in a three step process. First, they’ll be asked by cabin crew to put on a face covering.
Then, they will be given a warning that masks are mandatory and compliance is required of them.
Finally, passengers will receive notice that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12-months.
Guests who refuse to wear a mask before getting on the plane can be denied boarding.
Once on the flight, penalties include return of the aircraft to the gate to offload the passenger, and the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year.
