The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to slow the spread of the virus. CBL has partnered with Sea Bags to procure cloth masks which are being worn by our staff at all times. Additionally, we have partnered with Flowfold to make face shields available to those staff who wish to use this additional equipment. We strongly encourage all who are riding the ferry to also wear cloth face coverings. The CDC guidance on this is very helpful and includes instructions to fashion masks from household items.
You will also soon see new signage reminding all to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others at all times including while boarding, debarking, retrieving freight at the docks and while underway on the vessel.
The Governor’s statewide stay healthy at home mandate remains in effect until at least April 30, 2020 and, as a reminder, it states that “no one shall use public transportation unless absolutely necessary, for an essential reason or for an essential job that cannot be done from home”. The City of Portland’s emergency stay at home order remains in effect until April 27, 2020. It is possible both will be extended and we will be watching this closely. Because these orders restrict all travel on CBL ferries to those purposes allowed under the orders, and in light of the sustained need to protect our customers, our crew and our community, our current reduced schedule for all islands will remain in place for the time being. Any updates to this will be communicated widely. As we have done throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we will continue to follow guidance from public health officials.