BC Ferries says it is making adjustments to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, but passengers still may not be able to stay in their vehicles during sailings.
Spokesperson Deborah Marshall says Transport Canada regulations that ban passengers from staying in vehicles parked on enclosed bottom decks while the ferry is in motion are still in effect.
“It is a Transport Canada regulation that restricts passengers from staying in their vehicles on the lower or enclosed car decks of our vessels,” Marshall said.
“Customers are certainly welcome to stay in their vehicles on the upper or open car decks of our vessels. We did consult with Transport Canada, and due to safety reasons, they are not waiving that restriction, but if somebody declares that they are exhibiting symptoms, we can certainly try to make accommodations for any customer like that.”
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On Friday, B.C. Premier John Horgan said he has asked the federal government to allow passengers to be able to remain in their vehicles parked on lower decks.
“In this instance, we want to see social distancing, and if we have to direct people to leave their vehicles to congregate in smaller spaces for an hour-and-a-half, that’s not good public health policy,” Horgan said.
Horgan said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured him that he will discuss the issue with Transport Canada.
BC Ferries said in a statement that crews have been taking extra measures to clean “common areas and locations that are touched frequently by people throughout the day.”
Globalnews.ca coverage of the novel coronavirus in B.C.
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B.C. health officials announce 7 new cases of COVID-19; total now 53 in the province
British Columbia’s top doctor has urged residents to avoid all non-essential international travel, including to the U.S., amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The directions came as the province announced seven new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing B.C.’s total to 53.
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Confused about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is very low for Canadians, but they caution against travel to affected areas (a list can be found here). If you do travel to these places, they recommend you self-monitor to see whether you develop symptoms and if you do, to contact public health authorities.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
— With files from Global News’ Simon Little
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