BC Transit staff will be handing out face masks at bus stops in Prince George, prior to masks becoming mandatory on all BC Transit buses on Monday.
Based on the guidance of the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC, BC Transit will be requiring all passengers wear a mask unless they meet one of the exclusion criteria.
"While face coverings are mandatory, the policy is an educational step without enforcement," a statement issued by BC Transit said. "The educational position is aligned with TransLink and other transit agencies in Canada."
People with medical conditions or disabilities that inhibit their ability to wear a mask, children under five years old, people unable to put on or take off a mask without assistance, and employees working behind physical barriers won't be required to to wear a mask. Police and first responders boarding a bus to deal with an emergency situation will also be exempt from the mask requirement.
Transit staff will be handing out masks at the Pine Centre bus exchange on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Monday at the Spruceland exchange from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
