BC Ferries employees at Horseshoe Bay terminal test positive for COVID-19
BC Ferries says that it has experienced COVID-19 transmission at its Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver.
The transmission was amongst staff, although it’s unclear how many individuals were infected or when they last worked.
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“BC Ferries has experienced employee to employee transmission of COVID-19 at our Horseshoe Bay terminal,” the company told Daily Hive in an emailed statement. “We wish our employees a safe and healthy recovery.”
BC Ferries says that it’s working with local health authorities on contact tracing and has recently completed a deep clean of employee areas at the terminal and all shared vehicles.
The risk to the public is said to be very low as the employees “do not have close contact with the public.”
“BC Ferries continues to follow COVID-19 protocols, including increased cleaning at terminals and onboard our ships, mandatory face coverings and encouraging customers to remain in their vehicles where possible to ensure customers travelling for essential reasons can continue to do so, safely.”
The Crown corporation also noted that it’s working with the province to have more of its employees identified as “priority workers,” which would allow them to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in early April.
“We understand the Provincial Health Officer faces difficult choices, and we recognize the decisions are scientifically made and evidence-based,” BC Ferries said. “We continue to work closely with the Province to evaluate all options to vaccinate additional groups within BC Ferries, especially those working in remote settings.”
To date, only a select number of BC Ferries employees that live aboard a northern vessel have been included on the priority list.