COVID-19 Update

March 29, 2020, For immediate release
LMI PROVIDES ESSENTIAL SERVICE AMID COVID-19 OUTBREAK
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(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine continues to provide an essential service to people in Labrador through its passenger and freight service between Blanc Sablon and Corner Brook. The Kamutik W has been averaging two round trips a week since being brought into service on Feby 20.

“On this most recent trip, we carried several tractor trailers loaded with groceries and other necessary supplies for the Straits and southern Labrador,” says LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward. “Our employees both on the vessel and in support roles continue to show their dedication and commitment as vital frontline staff in keeping the region’s supply line intact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our company is committed to making sure that people have the goods and supplies they need at this difficult time.”

Labrador Marine Inc. has adopted stringent public health measures to protect the safety of passengers and crew, including frequent sanitizing of public spaces, and advocating social distancing and frequent hand sanitizing. LMI has also reminded travelers of their responsibility to declare where they have been in their travels, at the time that they book reservations.

“We are all responsible for preventing the spread of COVID-19,” says Woodward. “Not declaring where we have travelled puts everyone at risk.”

In an effort to facilitate social distancing, LMI has restricted the number of passengers on each trip to 53. In line with a provincial government directive, the company is screening would-be travelers to ensure that only essential travel is booked. To ensure that proper screening takes place, LMI is carrying reserved passengers only. Screening procedures are subject to change, depending on public health guidance.

The Blanc Sablon-Corner Brook service will continue until conditions are suitable for the Qajaq W to resume the Blanc Sablon-St. Barbe run. Weekly evaluations of the approach to St. Barbe by Canadian Coast Guard and LMI show that the area remains impassible due to heavy ice.
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For further information, contact: Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO - (709) 896-2421