Passengers flying on one of Australia's largest regional airlines have expressed frustration after the introduction of mandatory face masks, despite coronavirus travel restrictions easing across the country.
Regional Express, known as Rex, made face masks mandatory this week as an extra layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19.
The airline says passengers who refuse to wear face masks will not be allowed to board flights unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Rex's national airport manager, David Brooksby, said the airline had already introduced body temperature testing of passengers and employees as well as social distancing on flights.
"As the country prepares to open the borders and lift the lockdowns, we need to be vigilant now more than ever to ensure that we prevent a second wave of infections, which would cause untold economic damage and misery to all communities," he said.
"The health and safety of passengers and employees is paramount, and we thank our passengers for putting up with the inconvenience as an act of consideration for our staff and other passengers."
'I don't see why'
But the new safety measure has not impressed passengers at Esperance — one of four government-regulated routes Rex flies in Western Australia, along with Albany, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia.
Jeremiah Rodericks said he knew nothing about masks become mandatory until he arrived at Esperance Airport.
"I think it's pretty weird that we're doing this since they're relaxing all the laws and suddenly you have to wear masks to get on a plane, yet you can congregate with more people not wearing masks," he said.
"I work on a mine site with a lot of people and don't see people wearing face masks, so I don't see why we have to wear one here."
Fellow passenger Kane Girling agreed, saying he felt the worst of the pandemic has "blown over".
"It seems a bit odd they want us to do it now," he said.
"I've flown with them a few times before and … one or two people seemed to be wearing them, but it was older people doing it."
Esperance resident Joanne Pelly said she was willing to comply.
"With the drop in cases I'm not sure if it's essential, especially with restrictions easing, but if they think it's going to help then we're happy to do what's required," she said.
"I don't feel at risk in the community at the moment so I would feel fine flying without one.
"But if that's what I have to do, it doesn't both me, but I know that other people are not happy about it."
