Passengers on BC Ferries vessels received’t want to indicate proof of immunization in opposition to COVID-19 underneath new federal guidelines introduced Wednesday protecting air, rail and marine journey.
Beneath the brand new rules, passengers flying out of Canadian airports, passengers on VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer and marine passengers on non-essential vessels taking voyages of 24 hours or extra will must be vaccinated beginning Oct. 30.
“Necessary vaccine necessities introduced by the federal authorities as we speak won’t apply to BC Ferries passengers,” BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall confirmed Wednesday.
Masks stay necessary for all passengers over the age of 12 in all indoor areas on ferries or at terminals.
The brand new federal coverage, nevertheless, may have an effect on BC Ferries workers.
Beneath the foundations introduced Wednesday, employers within the federally-regulated transportation sector, together with marine operators of Canadian vessels with a crew of 12 or extra, should start phasing in a compulsory vaccination coverage by Oct. 30.
Marshall mentioned the corporate was reviewing the rules and “will probably be discussing these with the BC Ferry & Marine Employees’ Union and different stakeholders to search for options that respect the varied views on the delicate matter of necessary vaccinations.”
International Information had requested remark from the union.
On Tuesday, the B.C. authorities introduced that all public service employees will require a COVID-19 vaccine by Nov. 22 to proceed working, and on Wednesday Ottawa introduced a similar policy for federal employees beginning Oct. 29.
B.C. health-care staff and staff in long-term care and assisted residing had been already dealing with vaccine mandates.
On Tuesday, the province mentioned it was forming a committee to resolve on whether or not to implement a vaccine mandate on faculty workers.
As of Tuesday, 88.3 per cent of British Columbians over the age of 12 had obtained at the least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 81.7 per cent had obtained two doses.
© 2021 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
