Cathay Pacific Airways allows flight attendants to wear masks when operating flights in mainland China due to concerns about pneumonia virus.

Cathay Pacific Airways' statement was issued today against the backdrop of Wuhan pneumonia virus that has spread to 20 other cities in China, killing 6 people. The airline last night also announced that passengers could change or cancel flights to and from Wuhan without charge until February 15.

Cathay said, at the request of the Hong Kong health authorities, they were distributing health declarations and would make masks and disinfectant wipes at the boarding gates for passengers traveling from Wuhan to Hong Kong.

"Our employees are reminded to maintain personal hygiene and the environment and to be alert to passengers with symptoms," the airline said.

The flight attendant union of Cathay Pacific Airlines yesterday said it had received a lot of emails and messages from employees, expressing concern about the risk of catching the pneumonia virus due to their exposure to more than 300 arriving passengers. from multiple places on a flight.

"They are all worried about the risks that may be encountered at work. This is where the company addresses their legitimate concerns and allows all flight attendants to wear masks on flights," the union said. Cathay Pacific Airlines flight attendant posted on Facebook yesterday.

Mainland officials confirmed more than 300 cases of pneumonia virus and outbreaks in Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries such as Thailand, Japan and South Korea. Many people fear the epidemic will spread strongly during the Lunar New Year when tens of millions of Chinese are flocking to their hometowns for Tet during the "world's largest annual emigrant".