Many of the extra sailings put in place for high spring break travel numbers have been cut back by B.C. Ferries due to COVID-19.
B.C. Ferries says they are seeing passenger numbers drop and expect it to continue through Sunday and Monday, as customers are avoiding travel as a result of COVID-19.
Spring break is one of the peak travel times of the year for B.C. Ferries, and airports across the country are also seeing numbers plummet.
The additional 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen have been pulled for Sunday. The extra 12 and 2 p.m. sailings on Monday have also been removed.
Some of the extra sailings, and regular sailings operating on the odd-numbered hours, are still in place.
Following advice from health experts, they have also closed the Pacific Buffet on the Spirit of Vancouver Island, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Coastal Celebration.
Areas to eat such as the Costal Cafe remain open.
“We are all in this together,” said B.C. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall.
“Our customers can do their part by making sure to wash their hands, not shaking hands with other people, coughing in your arm, and staying home if you are sick… don’t travel if you’re sick and wait until you are better.”
They also say dialogue between them and federal regulators about allowing passengers to stay in their cars on lower car decks are continuing.
Transport Canada previously said it’s not considering a relaxing those rules.
READ MORE: BC Ferries responds to COVID-19 concerns while customers adjust how they travel
Premier John Horgan asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to allow an exception to the rule this week.
Updates and details on sailing can be found here. More details on the cancellations can be found here.
Julian Kolsut
