Qatar Airways makes face shields mandatory

Shields will be provided, and will be available in adult and children’s sizes.

Passengers will also be given complimentary "protective kits" containing a surgical face mask, which must be worn beneath the shield, as well as gloves and hand sanitiser.

Business class passengers will be offered an additional 75ml tube of sanitising gel.

Crew will also have to wear a new protective gown over their uniforms, as well as safety glasses, gloves and a face mask.

Passengers departing Qatar’s Hamad International airport will receive their face shields at check-in, while at other destinations, face shields will be distributed at boarding gates.

Economy passengers will be required to wear their face shield in addition to a face covering throughout their flight, except when served meals or drinks.

Business passengers can wear face shields and masks at their discretion owing to the greater size of the cabin, and seats featuring sliding partitions.

Children should wear their PPE throughout the journey, although children under the age of two are not advised to wear face shields or face coverings.

Shields and face coverings will be mandatory during boarding and disembarkation.

Other efforts by Qatar to reduce the spread of coronavirus infection include providing crew training on minimising their risk of contracting the disease, as well as thermally screening them before and after flights.