Passengers urged to think of others and cover their face
Prevent the spread of coronavirus by wearing a face covering, is the simple message coming from ferry operator CalMac.
The Scottish Government issued new guidelines last week that face coverings are mandatory when traveling on an enclosed area of a ferry. Such face coverings, according to the World Health Organisation, offer protection from the Covid 19 virus.
CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison, said, "Wearing a face covering on an enclosed area of a ferry is now mandatory with a few exceptions for medical or physical conditions.
"By covering your nose and mouth you are showing that you care for other passengers and our staff, providing you with a service. I'd strongly urge passengers to abide by the new guideline and help keep our island communities safe.
"Health experts say the evidence is now clear that face coverings can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that the more people wearing them, the better."
CalMac is reinstating more sailings from July 1 and again from July 15 in line with the Scottish Government's decision to relax travel rules.
'As travel guidance changes and more people begin to sail with us again it is essential that everyone who can, follows the guidance. By wearing a face covering you are helping to protect everyone on board travelling with you,' said Robert.
There has been very little spread of coronavirus across CalMac's area of operations, and as services increase again, the company want passengers to help keep it that way.
'We are now being told that both pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission of the disease are much more common than first thought. As health experts learn more about the condition they have a greater degree of certainty on the advice given, and that advice is now cover your face while on public transport.'
'As it isn't always possible to tell who is infected and who isn't, a simple step such as covering your nose and mouth and staying socially distant really can help save lives.'