Face coverings will be compulsory for foot passengers using Cowes Floating Bridge from Monday (15th June) to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The government announced last week that people must wear face coverings on public transport from 15th June, when non-essential shops are likely to reopen.
The rules apply to all modes of public transport, including the floating bridge.
The Isle of Wight Council said very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties would be exempt in line with the latest government advice.
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:
“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers is our top priority.
“We must take every precaution as passenger numbers on the floating bridge increase and as shops begin to reopen and more people start returning to work.”
Foot passengers will be required to wear a face covering whether they are inside the passenger lounge or in the external upstairs area.
Vehicle drivers and passengers do not need to wear them, providing they stay in their vehicles with the windows closed.
Measures, similar to those installed in Newport town centre, will shortly be put in place in Medina Road, Cowes, and Castle Street, East Cowes, to help passengers adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Face coverings ought to be compulsory for those who designed the ‘floating bridge’, if only to hide their shame, should they not resemble the council and actually feel that emotion.
So how do you pay if you have the windows closed and no mask??
Most people have availed themselves with the Chain Ferry pre-payment card. It saves you 50p on every trip and in the current environment can be simply be put against a closed car window for the ferryman to scan. Simples.
Lets all wear nappies on our face …that will save lives…stay alert 🙂
And save a lot of tissues when you have a runny nose . . .
got to get it floating first
Should this off been done weeks ago and not next week on all public transport