— from Washington State Ferries —
Please be advised that San Juan County has moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan for reopening Washington. Visitors to the San Juan Islands are required to wear masks/face coverings upon entering or remaining in any business in San Juan County. Travel should also still be limited to essential purposes only. For more information on travel to the islands, visit the San Juan County website.
While passengers are not required to wear face coverings on WSF vessels and at terminals, they are strongly encouraged to do so to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Customers traveling by vehicle are encouraged to remain in their vehicles for the duration of their trip. Thank you for helping to keep our ferry-served communities safe and healthy.
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WHY does WSF NOT require face masks for people who wander around upstairs in the common- parts of the ferries? This is ridiculous.
They tweeted about a poster they’ve created showing all the ferry workers wearing masks and encouraging passengers to do the same. The effort to convince people by example in that way feels weak. Washington State Ferries could and should be a leader in the effort to “mask up.” I suspect this will happen eventually. Gosh, we’re so in the pockets of visitors. Somewhat like the video “The San Juan Islands Miss You.” Didn’t view it, as I don’t support that kind of effort by the tourism folks.
I also don’t support that kind of effort. The entirety of the islands does not, in fact, miss tourists. Some do- lots do! But using that kind of blanket language in marketing is a bad idea. The visitors’ bureau certainly doesn’t speak for every person in the islands.
I also agree that this wishy-washy tendency of WA in general to “encourage” and even *gasp* “strongly encourage” rather than categorically mandate is ridiculous. Mandate masks on the ferry and/or REQUIRE (not “suggest) people to stay in their cars unless they have a medical condition that makes it impossible, or need to use the bathroom. It’s totalitarian! It’s obnoxious! It’s also necessary. It’s abundantly clear at this point that people absolutely cannot be trusted to do what’s best for anyone other than themselves. Many do; but many more don’t. Mandate, don’t suggest. Suggesting is useless.
I absolutely agree that WSF should be requiring passengers to wear masks while in areas where they could spread disease. By not protecting passengers while en route to the islands, the WSF could allow one infected passenger to bring us a spreading web of trouble. The WSF is positioning itself to become the next “super-spreader” hot spot. We in the islands are in their line of fire.
I cannot believe that WSF does not require face masks.It seems to be a contradiction to SJC mandate. Would this State and country get it together. It is sad we are so wishy washy.