LABRADOR MARINE REVISES LOADING PRACTICES ON QAJAQ W
 (Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine announced today, that effective immediately, it will no longer require passengers to remain in their vehicles on the lower deck of the Qajaq W on the Strait of Belle Isle service. The changes affecting passengers and vehicles on the lower deck were put in place on a trial basis. As LMI progresses toward greater capacity on the Qajaq W, it was necessary to assess how physical distancing could be maintained as vehicle and passenger numbers increase. The information that LMI collected during this trial run will be useful as the company assesses when and how to increase vehicle and passenger capacity.
 
The changes include the following:
 

• The upper car deck will be loaded to capacity, with a mix of commercial and private vehicles, before the lower car deck is used.
• All passengers on the upper car deck must remain in their vehicle for the duration of the crossing.
• All passengers whose vehicle is loaded on the lower car deck will be escorted to the saloon deck where physical distancing practices will be followed.
• Where placement on the lower car deck is required, LMI will identify vehicles with one or two passengers, in order to keep passenger numbers on the saloon deck to a minimum.
• It is recommended that all passengers on the saloon deck wear a mask or appropriate face covering for the duration of the voyage.
• Passengers using the washroom, including those who remain in their vehicle on the upper deck, will be escorted by a crew member. It is recommended that all passengers using the washroom wear a mask or other appropriate face covering.

 
“Our safety consultants certified that the lower car deck was safe for passengers as far as air ventilation and evacuation was concerned,” said LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward. “But many travellers expressed concern about having to stay in their vehicles on the lower deck. We wanted to address those concerns quickly and put the attention back to where it should be, and that is, LMI’s determination to provide an essential service that is safe and that meets the needs of people travelling to and from Labrador.”
 
The Qajaq W will remain on its winter schedule with one roundtrip a day. Daily departure from Blanc Sablon is 8 am NL time and from St. Barbe at 10:30 am NL time.
 
Labrador Marine continues to monitor the public health advice on COVID-19. The company will adjust travel rules when necessary. Please continue to consult Labrador Marine’s website at https://lmsi.woodwardgroup.ca for the latest information.
 
 
 
For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO
(709) 896-2421

For immediate release
 
LABRADOR MARINE TO EASE RESTRICTIONS ON STRAITS SERVICE MAY 11
Public health emergency and guidelines remain in place
 
(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. announced today, that in line with the province’s plan to move to Alert Level 4 on Monday, May 11, essential travel restrictions will be lifted on the Strait of Belle Isle ferry service.
 
Despite the lifting of the essential travel ban, a number of measures will remain in place:

• Passage is for reserved passengers only
• All passengers are encouraged to wear a non-medical face mask or face covering
• Passengers must practice physical distancing, remain in their vehicles during the crossing, and leave their window down in order to hear public safety announcements
• Walk-ons will be escorted to a defined area on the saloon deck
• Smoking anywhere on the ship is prohibited
• Passengers needing to use the washroom must be escorted by a crew member

 
Passenger safety is LMI’s top priority. In order to reduce risk and to maintain our high safety standards, passenger capacity on the Qajaq W will be increased gradually.
 
LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward complimented travelers for their cooperation since travel restrictions were implemented in March. “We recognize that the restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have been very disruptive to people with travel plans,” he said. “But despite that, passengers have really done their part. That has allowed us to continue this essential service. We have been able to move people as well as essential goods and supplies. But we will have to remain vigilant if we are to defeat this virus. Please continue to follow public health advice and observe our onboard rules.”
 
Despite the easing of some travel restrictions, the Qajaq W will remain on its winter schedule with daily departure from Blanc Sablon at 8:00 am NL time and from St. Barbe at 10:30 am.
 
The province has stated that the public health state of emergency remains in effect and that previous restrictions may be put back in place if the Chief Medical Officer of Health returns the province to Alert Level 5.
 
 
For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO
(709) 896-2421
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