Dr. Bonnie Henry and TransLink discussing mandatory masks on transit
Posted August 4, 2020 8:18 pm.
Last Updated August 4, 2020 8:19 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 113) — The discussion on whether or not masks should be made mandatory on transit in British Columbia continues.
On Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry said discussions have been ongoing with TransLink over whether or not masks should be mandatory on transit, and whether the move would be for the benefit of public safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Henry said there is an ongoing discussion with TransLink, adding she’s confident they’re looking “in detail” at the matter.
She isn’t able to say if the changes will ultimately be made but says she would support the move to make facemasks mandatory on buses and SkyTrain.
“I know TransLink is looking at their programs and how they can make sure that their safety plans are being enhanced in the best that they can be,” she said. “I’m very confident that they are looking at this in some detail.”
“I don’t know that the absolute decision has been made yet, but I certainly would encourage it. I think that’s an important business thing to do both TransLink and BC transit.”
In a statement to NEWS 1130, TransLink confirmed it’s conversations with Henry.
“We welcome the Provincial Health Officer’s recent comments in support of mandating face coverings for transit riders in Metro Vancouver. TransLink has been discussing with Dr. Henry’s office what a mandatory face covering policy could look like on our system. We won’t pre-empt the outcome of those discussions.”
RELATED: Petition asks TransLink to make masks mandatory, enforce distancing as COVID-19 cases climb
More than 12,000 people have signed an online petition asking TransLink to step up safety measures on transit.
The petition urges TransLink and the province to make masks mandatory and enforce social distancing and a 2/3 capacity limit on buses.
