For Immediate Release
20-043
August 21, 2020

BC Ferries announces mandatory face coverings

As of August 24, customers must wear face covering while travelling

VICTORIA – Beginning August 24, BC Ferries will require customers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings at terminals and while on board ferries.

All walk-on and vehicle passengers will be required to wear face coverings at all times when at a BC Ferries terminal or on a BC Ferries ship, with the exception being if a customer is inside a vehicle or consuming food or drinks while maintaining physical distance. Also exempt are customers with an underlying medical condition or disability that inhibits the ability to wear a face covering, those who are unable to place or remove a face covering without assistance, and children under two years of age. This requirement also applies to BC Ferries employees, except those working behind a physical barrier or within employee only areas while maintaining appropriate physical distance.

“BC Ferries’ priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers,” said BC Ferries President & CEO Mark Collins. “We urge and expect our customers to behave responsibly when they are travelling with us. Please do not travel if you feel sick. While using the ferry system you are required to wear a face covering at all times and maintain appropriate physical distance. Travellers not following this requirement can be banned from travel. Please follow the directions of BC Ferries staff and crew.”

BC Ferries has a number of additional preventive measures in place, including support for physical distancing, screening customers on arrival at the ticket booth, allowing customers to remain in their vehicles on all decks during the sailing, enhanced cleaning, physical barriers and reduced seating density.

“We understand that many customers are anxious about COVID-19 and our employees are doing great work to accommodate customers during this time,” continued Collins. “I want to remind customers that we do not tolerate any form of abuse, including verbal abuse, towards our employees. Failure to follow direction and abuse of any kind will result in denial of travel.”

The company reminds customers to heed Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice to be kind, be calm and be safe. Vessel and terminal staff are there to keep you safe and healthy. For more information visit bcferries.com.