As the Chief Medical Officer of Health moves the province to Alert Level 4 and relaxes some public health restrictions, the Department of Transportation and Works will relax its previous restrictions for passengers on provincial ferries beginning Monday, May 11.

Passengers will no longer be restricted to only essential travellers. However, the department encourages ferry users to travel as infrequently as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The department continues to follow advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and guidance from Transport Canada to help ensure the safety of passengers and crews on provincial ferries during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• All passengers will still be required to remain in their vehicles during crossings;
• The number of passengers on each ferry will continue to be limited to 50 per cent of its regular capacity;
• Current ferry schedules implemented during the pandemic will still be maintained to allow ample time for cleaning;
• Passengers without vehicles, who travel in the passenger lounges, will still be required to practice physical distancing of at least six feet from other passengers; and
• Passengers without vehicles will not be permitted to travel in passenger lounges when physical distancing is not possible.

Passengers are also encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings whenever possible, as per Transport Canada recommendations.

Passengers are reminded that the public health state of emergency remains in effect and the previous restrictions may be implemented again if the Chief Medical Officer of Health returns the province to Alert Level 5.

More information on alert levels and a complete list of the services and activities permitted during Alert Level 4 can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.

More information on Transport Canada COVID-19 guidance for marine transportation can be found at www.tc.gc.ca.

For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19. For general inquiries related to available government services, please email covid19info@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Brian Scott
Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca