United Airlines yesterday bowed to pressure and joined a number of other airlines in allowing cabin crew to wear face masks on flights to protect against the virus.
Singapore Airlines, Dragonair, China Air and Cathay Pacific are understood to be among the airlines offering plastic gloves and surgical masks to staff and passengers who ask for them.
The move followed growing concern from flight attendants over the risks of being exposed.
'United confirms that all flight attendants can wear protective face masks while carrying out their onboard duties,' a United spokeswoman said yesterday.
'The airline will also have some face masks available onboard for customers who may need them.'
She said United had been following advice from the World Health Organisation and would adopt screening procedures recommended by the Department of Health for suspected cases of Sars at airport check-in areas.
