BC Transit passengers on the Sunshine Coast will be required to wear face masks from Aug. 24 onwards.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) posted the announcement on social media Aug 6, saying the new rules would apply to communities across the province that use BC Transit.
Exemptions will be made for children up to five years old and for people unable to cover their faces for health reasons.
And while mandatory, passengers won’t face fines or other types of enforcement if they choose not to wear masks, said the release: “The policy will be implemented as an educational step without enforcement. The educational position is aligned with TransLink and other transit agencies in Canada.”
The policy was established because customers indicated mandatory face masks would “create a more comfortable environment,” according to BC Transit.
“The implementation of a mandatory mask policy is in response to feedback from our customers. I am pleased to have the support of TransLink, Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Province of B.C. to implement this policy that will make transit more comfortable for our customers,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit president and CEO.
BC Transit is also working with local governments to distribute “promotional face coverings” this summer.
