It’ll soon be mandatory to wear a mask on Prince George buses.
Starting Aug. 24, BC Transit is requiring riders in all communities it services to wear a face covering as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and in an effort to reduce any potential spread.
The province-wide company says the change is meant to act as an ‘educational step without enforcement’ in following the routes of other major Canadian transportation agencies, such as TransLink in Metro Vancouver.
“We recognize the advice from health professionals, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, has been to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible including on transit vehicles,” reads a BC Transit release today (Aug. 6).
“Customers have indicated making the use of face coverings mandatory will create a more comfortable environment.”
It adds there’ll be exceptions for children under five years old and for those who can’t wear a face covering for health reasons.
“We will work hard to ensure customers are aware of our new policy over the coming weeks, and work together to make transit a comfortable environment for staff and customers.”
For more information, you can visit the Prince George page on BC Transit’s website.
As of this publication, there are 91 positive cases of COVID-19 within Northern Health's jurisdiction with 16 active cases and 75 recoveries.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says zero cases were reported in the northern interior region, which includes Prince George, between July 17 and 30.
