To minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections, Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) (SIA) flight crew will have to wear location tracking devices during their layovers abroad.

During the layovers, SIA’s flight crew is already barred from interacting with locals and each other. These precautions, adopted by the airline, are in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection among the flight crew, reported the Straits Times. 

“We remain guided by the authorities and will work closely with them to make adjustments, if necessary, in order to ensure the health and safety of our staff and customers during our flights,” announced Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY). 

Other measures include health declaration forms and temperature checks before the flight. If the cabin crew or pilots feel unwell they must not report for duty that day. Social distancing whenever possible is also required. While interacting with passengers, cabin crew members have to wear goggles, gloves and on certain routes, they also wear protective gowns.

Alan Tan, the president of the Singapore Airlines Staff Union, said the flight crew has been understanding and complying with the rules.

“If you fly for 16 to 18 hours to reach New York, then have to stay in a room alone, it can be quite tough, but the crew understands that this is necessary,” said Alan Tan.

While countries around the Asia-Pacific region have been closing borders or imposing travel restrictions, flight crews have also been subject to stricter quarantining rules and fines for breaking them.

On December 3, 2020, EVA Air fired three flight attendants for breaking quarantine rules in Taiwan. The three flight attendants broke off their mandatory five-day quarantine to see friends and family. As of January 1, 2021, crews need to spend seven days in quarantine after a long-haul flight and need to test negative before they are allowed to leave, announced Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control.