In keeping with directives and guidance provided by Transport Canada, passengers travelling with BC Ferries will be required to be in possession of a face covering that covers their mouth and nose, and asked to wear this covering in situations when a physical separation of two metres cannot be maintained.
According to a media release from BC Ferries, this directive goes into effect on June 15 for routes longer than 30 minutes and applies to all passengers over the age of two, including those passengers travelling in a vehicle.
For routes involving travellers to and from Powell River, the Saltery Bay/Earls Cove crossing takes 50 minutes, Westview to Little River takes 90 minutes, and Westview to Blubber Bay is a 35 to 40 minute crossing.
Passengers will be asked to confirm they have a face covering and are willing to wear it when necessary, the release stated. If a passenger answers no, or fails to answer, they will be unable to travel.
Customers must bring their own face coverings as BC Ferries will not be supplying them to travellers, according to the release.
As defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, a face covering should fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops, be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen) and be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping.
BC Ferries will also continue screening all customers for COVID-19 symptoms and restrict travel to any customer who does not meet the screening requirements, as per the federal guidelines, the release stated.
BC Ferries is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy travel experience for its passengers and employees, according to the release. For those who need to travel, additional measures have been put in place to keep customers and crew healthy and safe. These preventative measures include support for physical distancing, screening customers on arrival, allowing customers to remain in their vehicles on all decks during the sailing and enhanced cleaning.
As this situation is rapidly evolving, BC Ferries encourages customers to monitor its website for any additional changes to service. For full details on service changes and measures BC Ferries is taking in response to COVID-19, go to bcferries.com.
