The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing fears of the virus being brought to Vancouver Island by visitors to the surface.

A petition asking that access to Vancouver Island be limited to essential services, supplies and residents only during the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered thousands of signatures.

ALSO READ:

B次元官网网址淰ancouver Island residents are worried about their safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and weB次元官网网址檙e still seeing tourists from other provinces and the U.S. driving on our roads here,B次元官网网址� the online petition says. B次元官网网址淲e need to be proactive and protect our residents.B次元官网网址�

As of Wednesday morning, more than 45,000 people signed the petition and the number was still increasing on the website. The petition calls for BC Ferries to limit travel to essential services and B次元官网网址渋mplement restricted access for residents who are trying to return home to their families.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ:

New measures from Transport Canada came into effect on April 6 for screening all passengers for COVID-19 symptoms on ferry sailings longer than 30 minutes. The new rules also state that operators of vessels carrying more than 12 passengers must reduce sailings by 50 per cent of the maximum number of passengers to help with physical distancing as well.

Do you think BC Ferries should be limited to essential traffic? Take our poll and share your view.