Photos of babies wearing full face masks on Air New Zealand flights have become viral on the internet and have triggered an online debate.According to New Zealand Herald, the picture was taken on domestic flights from Auckland to Wellington on July 1. This shows the child wearing an adult -sized face mask all over his face, with two small eye holes cut.
Jander Opperman clicks on photos and shares them on social media. He told the outlet that it was “super-manic interaction”. “The baby is full of joy, jumping and giggling. That makes the wait to get off the plane a little more entertaining, “added Opperman.Since shared, the picture has taken the internet by a storm. Some users consider the picture to be funny and compare them with popular horror films. Others say that it is “very sad” and claims that it is an example of “child harassment”.
“If I see this on the flight, I will delete a mask from himself,” wrote a user. “It is dangerous to cover their breathing holes like this,” said another. Some even questioned how effective the mask was to protect children from Covid-19.Another commentator by joking says that the baby’s fist is only “to convince you that there is enough holes and gaps in the mask to breathe properly.” “Must practice as a superhero lol! The world hasn’t been read for superbaby, “said another.
Opperman, on the other hand, told New Zealand Herald that the mask did not seem to be closely secured around the baby’s face. “I think it is a mixture of laughter and try the best to protect his child with the equipment available to him,” he added.Separately, speaking to Stuff, Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist and covid communicator, explained that the mask “could reduce the number of viruses they breathe a little”, but “it is better to invest in a mask designed for small children”.
According to the New Zealand government, all air passengers for 12 years must wear face masks on domestic flights. For younger children, the government suggested that parents choose the right mask that covers their mouths, nose, and chin without gaps.