BC Ferries is reminding would-be travellers that the province’s travel restrictions are still in effect this May long weekend — and that hurling abuse at ferry workers could net them a lifetime ban.
The company said it was issuing the reminder because May long weekend is typically a popular time to travel, but this year, travel between three defined regional zones (Vancouver Island, Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, Interior Health and Northern Health) is restricted to essential reasons only.
As a result, BC Ferries has not scheduled any additional sailings for the weekend and will deny travel to anyone crossing for non-essential reasons.
That includes the following routes:
- Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay
- Tsawwassen – Duke Point
- Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands
- Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay ∙ Comox – Powell River
- Port Hardy – Prince Rupert
When booking travel on BC Ferries, customers will be asked if their travel is essential. The company has also added a new tool to help customers, adding a check box to the online booking flow of the website to ensure customers read and acknowledge they are travelling for essential reasons when making a booking.
Even customers travelling between the same regional zones are being urged to avoid non-essential travel.
The company is also warning that any abuse toward BC Ferries staff members could result in a lifetime travel ban.
“BC Ferries employees have continued to ensure the ferry system operates safely and efficiently through this pandemic,” BC Ferries said in a news release. “The company has a zero tolerance policy for abuse, both verbal and physical, towards its employees.”
For the latest information on sailing schedules and information, visit the BC Ferries website.
CHEK News
