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Police will patrol busy streets and public transportation hubs to make sure people wear masks on buses and trains.
The mandatory use of masks on public transport, including buses and ferries, will take effect on Monday when Auckland joins the rest of the country at alert level 2.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Chambers said police will remind people of the new restrictions and the requirement to wear masks on buses, trains and ferries.
DAVID BLANCO / THINGS
As of Monday, the use of masks will be mandatory in public transport.
“While we will be present in transportation hubs, we will also be present in other areas that would normally see higher volumes of foot traffic.”
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Chambers also said that, as part of the broader police response, officers would distribute face masks.
“We recognize that this requirement is something new for many Kiwis and is something that people were not used to doing before.
“While these masks have been designed to be disposable, as part of our educational approach, it is hoped that it will make the idea of wearing a face cover more familiar to the public.”
Since alert levels were raised nearly three weeks ago, the police have conducted thousands of peace patrols across Auckland.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Chris Hipkins said an educational approach would be taken in the early days, but those who refuse could be punished with a $ 300 violation notice or a fine of up to $ 1000 imposed. by the courts.
“I know this is a big change and it will take some getting used to, but it is a small thing that we can all do that helps us get back to Level 1 freedoms,” said Hipkins.
“The advice from health officials is clear: Wearing face covers can reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19, especially when it is difficult to maintain physical distance from others. Masks and those that cover the face do not replace physical distancing, but rather complement other public health measures ”.
Bus drivers will not enforce mask wearing rules
Despite the tough stance of the government and police, bus drivers are not expected to enforce the rules.
David Unwin / Things
Bus drivers say it will be impossible to monitor compliance (file photo).
Auckland Tramways Union Chairman Gary Froggatt said it had already been agreed with Auckland Transport and operators that drivers could not enforce the rule, which takes effect nationwide from Monday while the country is in Covid-19 alert level 2.
“It is impossible for drivers to monitor compliance with personal protection issues and drive the bus,” said Froggatt.
Auckland Transport, which runs a network of 1,300 buses, said operators are not expected to take on the role of enforcing the use of masks.
Further south, Metlink CEO Scott Gallacher said Wellington’s public transport users were expected to take personal responsibility, and front-line staff were not expected to risk their own health and safety by enforcing the rules.
Tramways Union Wellington Branch Clerk Kevin O’Sullivan said drivers have been told they do not need to enforce wearing masks on public transportation.
“Here’s the bottom line: There is no expectation that members will have to enforce compliance for wearing face covers or code scanning.
“Members should not argue or confront passengers, they should contact the depot if there is a problem or call the police, but all the agencies (NZTA, Greater Wellington Regional Council, etc.) have been quite adamant that members won “You will not be required to enforce compliance,” O’Sullivan said.
Wellington bus and train drivers can ask passengers to abide by the rule of wearing masks, but that’s it.
O’Sullivan said some public transit operators have been wearing masks, but as of Monday, everyone will need to.
