Masking inflight as a preventative measure against COVID-19 transmission 

This literature review finds that although the absence of much data finding inflight  transmission of COVID-19 is encouraging, there are cases in which this is not the case.  Therefore, there is no definitive evidence that fliers are safe.  

Bowdoin College

- Genomic Evidence of In-Flight Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Despite Predeparture Testing
-  In-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks

Air travel and COVID-19 transmission 

David O Freedman, MD, Annelies Wilder-Smith, MD, In-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks, Journal of Travel Medicine, Volume 27, Issue 8, December 2020

In-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks

This study found that inflight transmission of COVID-19 occurred between seven passengers, even though 5 tested negative before boarding.  They ultimately concluded that in addition to preflight testing, a pre-arrival quarantine is also necessary in order to prevent transmission during air travel.  

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