As the city prepares to allow more riders on Guelph Transit buses, it is asking riders to wear a non-medical mask or face covering.
They are not mandatory.
Beginning Monday the city will allow more than 10 people to ride the bus, returning to standard capacity limits.
Free 30-minute Guelph Transit service will continue for the rest of June but the city says that with more businesses reopening and more people heading back to work, Guelph Transit is preparing to resume fare collection and regular schedules later in the summer.
In a news release Friday morning, the city said the request is based advice from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
"According to health officials, wearing a homemade face covering/non-medical mask is not a substitute for physical distancing and hand washing. Wearing a mask has not been proven to protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect others around you," the release said.
“As the buses get busy again, physical distancing may not always be possible. We’re asking riders to wear a non-medical mask or face covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says Robin Gerus, general manager of Guelph Transit.
Guelph Transit is encouraging face coverings, not requiring them.
“It’s becoming more common to wear a mask on public transit in other cities, but it’s new for Guelph. Some riders may not be aware of or understand the latest guidelines from health officials. Some may not have resources to purchase or make a mask, or they may have a medical reason for not wearing one,” added Gerus. Everyone is welcome to use Guelph Transit, and we’re asking people to protect and respect each other as ridership increases.”
Since March, Guelph Transit made the following adjustments to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- free 30-minute service allows passengers to avoid using the farebox and board from the rear door
- plastic barrier between the driver and passengers
- hand sanitizing stations and cleaning supplies for drivers
- no more than 10 people per bus
- blocked several seats to encourage physical distancing between passengers
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the City and Guelph Transit encourage riders to continue following the latest advice from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health:
- wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer
- stay at least two metres away from people you don’t live with
- when you can’t maintain physical distancing, wear a non-medical mask or face covering
