Spanish carrier Iberia will implement a Covid-19 health plan
for employees that includes a blood test that detects the presence of
antibodies in employees returning to on-site work following furloughs.
The plan, designed in collaboration with the Quironsalud
healthcare firm and employee representatives, also offers staff disinfection of
all workplaces, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other
hygiene measures and teleworking where possible.
According to Iberia, it has carried out Covid-19 antibody
tests so far in May on around 2,500 employees working in the airport and
aircraft maintenance, as well as cockpit and cabin crews. Over the course of
the year, all of the airline’s nearly 17,000 staff can be tested.
Testing, which is voluntary, will be performed when
employees return from furlough and again 15 and 30 days later.
In addition, tests to detect current Covid-19 infections
will also be carried out for employees returning after sick leave with the
virus, as well as those who have worked closely with others who have tested
positive.
Iberia is also considering the installation of thermal
cameras to screen employees for fever.
Iberia and its sister airline Vueling recently secured €1 billion worth of loans backed by the Spanish government.