Starting next week, all passengers travelling on BC Ferries will be required to carry face masks with them.
In a statement released Monday, BC Ferries announced that all passengers over the age of two will need to have a face covering with them.
They will be asked to put on the face masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible. This new order will take effect Monday, June 15.
All passengers boarding a ferry route that travels longer than 30 minutes will be asked if they’re carrying a face covering and if they would be willing to wear it whenever necessary.
Anyone who says no to these questions will be declined boarding.
“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,” reads the statement from BC Ferries.
Questions about face coverings will be added to existing passenger screening protocols instated due to new Transport Canada regulations.
Existing questions include whether the travellers have a fever, a cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and if they have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to the coronavirus.
