BC Ferries is now reminding passengers that Transport Canada recommends people use “face coverings to cover their mouth and nose during travel if they cannot maintain physical distance from others while on board.”
Federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced last week that, as of April 20, Transport Canada would “encourage” the use of masks by passengers on boats, ferries, trains and buses, but they aren't being made mandatory.
Deborah Marshall of BC Ferries said as well as updating its website to include the new information, the ferry company will be including it on its digital signs and in announcements.
While masks are only encouraged for ferries, it is now mandatory for air travellers to carry one.
Travellers will not be allowed to board planes unless they can show they have a mask with them, although they will only have to wear the mask in situations where they cannot keep an appropriate distance from others, such as at screening points or on planes that are too full to allow passengers to be seated far enough apart.
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible. However, if you need to travel, wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained,” Garneau said.
Up to date information for travellers on BC Ferries can be found at www.bcferries.com/about/projects/covid-19.html
- with files from The Canadian Press
