A woman has launched a campaign calling for TransLink to enforce its COVID-19 protocol on public transit.
Last month, the transportation agency launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging the use of face coverings and non-medical masks on Metro Vancouver’s transit system. As part of the ‘Wearing is Caring’ campaign, it is handing out more than 15,000 TransLink branded masks at key transit hubs.
In addition to branded face masks, the campaign also includes systemwide posters and decals installed to promote the use of face coverings and non-surgical masks.
At the time of this writing, the Change.org petition entitled "Stricter COVID-19 Restrictions for TransLink British Columbia" has been signed 1,240 times. It urges TransLink to help customers feel safe while on public transit by enforcing its new plan.
"Many people including myself has raised concerns to Translink and all we are met with is recommendations to wear a facemask and practice social distancing which is impossible on a crowded bus," writes Kelsey Lockert.
"Filing complaints has not made a difference either. I want to see this "plan" enforced and have greater precautions regarding COVID. We should NOT have to feel unsafe using an essential service."
The petition also implores Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart to, "Listen to the concerns of the people you say you’re trying to protect. We need more urgency as COVID-19 cases are rising in B.C."
Find out more about the petition HERE.
Protestors gathered in Downtown Vancouver Sunday afternoon to protest the mandatory wearing of masks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the event's Facebook page, organizers state that, "The purpose is to raise awareness for the risks and dangers associated with wearing masks as well as to say NO to mandatory masks in general."
With this in mind, a new poll finds that the majority of Canadians believe government should make the wearing of face masks mandatory in public places.
According to a new Ipsos poll conducted for Global News, 79% of Canadians agree that masks should be made mandatory in public places (42% strongly/ 37% somewhat). However, support for enforcing this measure varies greatly across the country.
Read more HERE.
