THUNDER BAY — A passenger on Thunder Bay Transit has expressed concern about the lack of enforcement of the face mask policy on Thunder Bay Transit.
Since July 24, on instructions from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, transit has mandated that passengers wear face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The policy states that "customers are required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings before boarding a transit vehicle, even when physical distancing can be maintained."
At the front of the bus, a flashing sign reminds riders of the policy.
However, a passenger submitted a photo he took recently, which shows two individiuals sitting close while neither is wearing a face covering. At least one of them has a mask, but in the photo it is pulled down beneath his chin.
Transit Manager Brad Loroff declined to comment Monday on the issue of enforcement, but pointed a reporter to an online list of Frequently Asked Questions about it.
The FAQ page clearly states that passengers are still allowed to board a bus without wearing a mask, "but may be verbally reminded of the mandatory requirement."
It also states that transit "will not be enforcing the use of masks...We will remain focused on providing information to people."
In any case, there are several provisions for exemptions.
This includes children under two years old, children under five who refuse to wear a mask and can't be persuaded to do so by their caregiver, and individuals with medical conditions including breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties.
Also exempt are those unable to apply or remove a mask without assistance who are accommodated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or who are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Transit notes further that "not all medical or other conditions are visible."
The FAQ concludes with the request that riders "Be kind and don't judge people for not wearing a mask."
The person who reached out to Dougall Media with his concerns said he's a regular transit user and believes that since September he's seen more complacency about mask-wearing.
He claimed that he usually sees at least two people on the bus without masks, and that they are often coughing.
"I feel my only options for winter travel are to brave the freezing temperatures or risk exposure to COVID-19 by getting on a bus," he said.
