Public health experts call on B.C. Ferries to provide more stringent COVID-19 safety measures – CBC
Corporation had said passengers are not subject to proof-of-vaccination rules
Oct 12, 2021
Epidemiologists are calling for more clarity around B.C. Ferries’ ventilation protocols and more stringent mask requirements on sailings after the corporation announced federal proof-of-vaccination rules would not apply to its passengers.
The ferry service falls under the category of “local public transportation” according to the province, and it says federal rules mandating proof of vaccination for air and cruise ship passengers will not apply to its passengers.
No public COVID-19 exposures have been traced to a ferry journey in B.C. over the course of the pandemic. But with more than 60,000 daily passengers on average, experts say the corporation could be doing more when it comes to stopping potential coronavirus transmission.
Masks are currently mandatory in all indoor settings on board B.C. Ferries vessels, except when dining or if passengers have a medical exemption.
But ventilation also plays a key role, experts say.
