BC Transit is preparing to hand out non-medical branded masks during the morning commute on Monday, July 20.
The transit authority said it will be deploying street teams across the Victoria Regional Transit system, equipped with face coverings, in an effort to encourage riders to wear them and help reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Both federal and provincial health experts have communicated the message to Canadians that masks, although don’t prevent you from contracting coronavirus, are an effective way to protect others from your droplets.
BC Transit said the decision to hand out masks draws on best practices outlined by WorkSafeBC and from the transit industry worldwide.
When riding on BC Transit, the organization says that medical masks are being encouraged because “physical distancing is not always possible on board.”
Currently, across British Columbia, it is not mandatory to wear a face mask, but BC Transit said in a press release on Friday that it can “help to promote a more comfortable transit experience for all.”
- The transit authority said that street teams will be in the following locations at the times listed below:
- Downtown core – Douglas/Fort area (7:
30am-9:00am) - Legislature exchange and surrounding area (9:00am-10:30am)
- Uptown Shopping Centre area (7:30am –9:00am)
- Mayfair Mall area (9:00am-10:00am)
- Langford Exchange (7:30am-9:00am)
- Colwood Exchange (9:00am-10:30am)
A more extensive list of the safety measures put in place by BC Transit, you can visit their website.
Graham Cox
