The resumption of Washington State Ferries’ service between Sidney and Anacortes (U.S. and Canada) has been pushed back to at least April 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision comes in the wake of the recent agreement by Canada and the United States to temporarily close their mutually shared border to all non-essential travel.
The ferry service was originally scheduled to restart March 29th, following its annual three-month shut down during the slower winter months.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
In a statement, the Town of Sidney said it has been in close contact with officials from Washington State Ferries and the Mayor of Anacortes since the COVID-19 outbreak, to determine a course of action in regards to the international ferry service that connects the two communities from late March to early January.
The situation will continue to be monitored and a decision about further adjustments to the start of the ferry service will be determined based on state and federal directives.
On Tuesday, the Victoria Clipper V also announced it was suspending sailings between Victoria and Seattle until April 30.
“Our number one priority and concern as a business is the health and safety of our employees, staff, crew, passengers and the greater public,” said David Gudgel, CEO of Clipper.
“We want to do our part in helping curb the public spread of coronavirus and feel it is imperative to halt immediate vessel operations. We will assess our return to service based on both U.S. and Canadian government and health official regulations and guidance.”
