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BC Ferries to require travellers to have a mask with them

Starting Monday, June 15, BC Ferries passengers will have to be “in possession of a face covering that covers their mouth and nose” on any sailing of more than 30 minutes.
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Starting Monday, June 15, BC Ferries passengers will have to be “in possession of a face covering that covers their mouth and nose” on any sailing of more than 30 minutes.

BC Ferries said in a June 8 release that the change from the recommendation that had been in place since late April is in line with new directives from Transport Canada.

“Passengers travelling with BC Ferries will be required to be in possession of a face covering, and asked to wear this covering in situations when a physical separation of two metres cannot be maintained,” the ferry company said.

The new measures announced by Transport Canada on June 3 also include a recommendation that all workers in the marine transportation sector have a mask with them and that “face coverings be worn using a risk-based approach specific to the unique circumstances of the workplace, when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and/or when local authorities require it.”

All passengers over the age of two, including passengers travelling in a vehicle, will be asked to confirm they have a face covering and are willing to wear it when necessary.

“If a passenger answers ‘no’ or fails to answer, they will be unable to travel,” BC Ferries said, adding that it will be the travellers’ responsibility to bring their own face coverings as they will not be supplied by BC Ferries.

“BC Ferries will also continue screening all customers for COVID-19 symptoms and restrict travel to any customer that does not meet the screening requirements, as per the federal guidelines,” the company said.

Coast Reporter