Capacity reduced on Digby ferry
As for Cat ferry service, Bay Ferries says: ‘It is impossible to predict how the travel market is going to unfold this year’
Bay Ferries says at times like these it is particularly important to play a role in trying to keep trade corridors and transportation arteries open to support the economy.
The company has implemented changes to assist commercial truckers — as well other passengers and crew — to engage in safe social distancing at its terminal facilities and while crossing on the MV Fundy Rose.
On March 17 it announced it had reduced capacity on the ferry crossing between Digby and Saint John, N.B., as one of many measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. To promote social distancing, capacity was reduced to 200 people (crew inclusive).
The ferry normally has a capacity for 774 passengers, although it wouldn’t be reaching those passenger levels at this time of the year.
“We’ve reduced the number of persons permitted on-board to provide adequate measures to enforce safe social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet apart),” Bay Ferries said. “This will ensure those passengers occupying the vessel can do so in a manner, which ensures public and employee safety.”
The crossing is two hours and 15 minutes long.
On its website on March 19, the ferry operator posted this information:
• Bay Ferries will be prescreening all passengers and will not allow anyone exhibiting flu-like systems (fever, cough, breathing difficulties, etc.) or anyone who has been in contact with a person confirmed to have, or being tested for, COVID-19 to cross on MV Fundy Rose.
• International truck drivers will be given red badges to identify them as passengers who have crossed the Canada/ US boarder within the past 14 days and as such should be self-isolating.
• Other passengers who have been in a foreign country in the past 14 days (with no symptoms or no contact) must self-isolate and will be given yellow badges.
• Red and yellow badges will be segregated aboard the Fundy Rose in a seating area that allows proper two-metre/ six-feet distance. Washrooms, segregated for red and yellow badges, will be available.
• The truckers lounge will be closed until further notice.
• International truck drivers are encouraged to remain in their trucks while waiting to embark.
• Portable toilets will be placed beside truck lanes and cleaned on an expedited schedule.
• Truck drivers must not remain in their trucks during crossings.
• Truck drivers are not allowed in the terminal building.
• Passenger food service on the ferry has been removed to reduce the risks inherent in the food service industry and limit the exposure to those risks. Passengers should eat before they arrive at the terminal. Complimentary water, coffee and tea will be available onboard.
“Our message for all customers, contractors, and employees remains simple — safe social distancing, wash your hands often, stay home when sick and personal hygiene are the best measures to control the spread of any virus,” the company said on its website.
Last week, the Canadian and U.S. governments announced a closure of the Canada-U.S. border to all non-essential travel.
On Sunday, Nova Scotia implemented a state of emergency that has tightened Nova
Scotia borders. At all entry points — land, sea and air — entry is being closely managed.
Nova Scotians should only leave the province if essential, they are advised.
Anyone entering the province will be stopped, questioned and told to self-isolate for 14 days. Exemptions for crossborder travel include healthy commercial truck drivers, health-care workers and people travelling into the province for essential health services.
Last week Bay Ferries had already implemented mandated check-in at ticket booths for all customers with screening taking place to assess the health and travel history of passengers.
The company’s Nova Scotia-P.E.I. service is in its off-season and not operating at this time.
As for future impact on The Cat ferry — which did not sail last year — the company says it is too soon to know. In February, Bay Ferries announced a June 26 target startup date for The Cat that runs between Nova Scotia and Maine.
“Obviously the entire travel industry is disrupted at the moment and no one can meaningfully speculate on impacts at this stage,” said Bay Ferries CEO Mark MacDonald.
Rhonda Latter, Bay Ferries director of corporate services, added it is impossible to predict how the travel market will unfold.
“All we can say is that we continue to work full speed ahead toward our scheduled season start on June 26. Work at the Bar Harbor terminal is very active at the moment and has been through the winter,” she said. “All contractors and other stakeholders are committed and working collaboratively. To this point there have been no impediments to the ongoing work; but because of COVID-19, there are huge variables and many moving parts.”