The Comox to Powell River ferry run is among those affected by travel restrictions imposed by the provincial government on April 23 in response to high COVID-19 numbers.
BC Ferries said on its website that it will deny travel to customers, including recreational vehicles, wanting to cross between different health regions. These restrictions run to May 25.
They basically affect travel for vacations, visiting and recreation activities, though there are exceptions where it is permitted, such as moving, commercial transportation of goods, court appearances, child care, providing care to someone with conditions or impairments, or visiting a resident as an essential visitor at a long-term care or assisted living facility. The full list can be found on the provincial government website.
The travel restriction affects the Comox-Powell River route, as Powell River is part of the Vancouver Coastal Health Region. The other routes are Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen to Duke Point, Tsawwassen to Southern Gulf Islands, Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, Comox to Powell River and Port Hardy to Prince Rupert.
Customers on these routes will be asked if their travel is essential and denied passage if the trip is not. People on routes within the same health regional zone are also reminded to avoid non-essential travel.
Those who do travel must wear masks at terminals and on board, and for any trip longer than 30 minutes, they will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
RELATED STORY: B.C.’s COVID-19 non-essential travel ban takes effect, $575 fines approved
The province has fines for various offences related to current COVID restrictions. For travelling between regions, people are subject to a $575 violation ticket.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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