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Police will patrol busy streets and public transportation hubs to make sure people wear masks on buses and trains, but officers will take an educational approach in the early stages, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirms.
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 would 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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MINISTRY OF HEALTH / YouTube
There are two new cases of Covid-19 in the community, both related to the Auckland cluster.
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 may not have been 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.”
During a press conference in Parliament on Sunday, Ardern encouraged Auckland residents to wear masks from the moment they leave their homes.
David Unwin / Things
Bus riders will be required to wear masks from Monday. In the photo: Palmerston North bus driver Graham Bilton.
“This will be one of the key ways that we can protect you and those around you,” Ardern said.
While educating public transport users about the need for masks will be the main focus in the early stages of the rule change, Ardern has not ruled out requiring the use of masks in other settings in the future.
Since alert levels were raised nearly three weeks ago, the police have conducted thousands of peace patrols across Auckland.
DAVID BLANCO / THINGS
A traveler wearing a face mask at the New Lynn bus terminal in West 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 that it will take some getting used to, but it’s a little thing we can all do that helps us get back to Tier 1 freedoms,” Hipkins said.
“The advice from health officials is clear: Wearing face covers can reduce the risk of people spreading Covid-19, particularly where 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 ”.
David Unwin / Things
Bus drivers say it will be impossible to monitor compliance. (File photo)
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.
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.
KEVIN STENT / Stuff
Wellington bus drivers will join passengers to don masks starting Monday.
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 had been told they did not have to enforce wearing masks on public transportation.
“Here’s the bottom line: There is no expectation that members will have to enforce compliance for the use of face shields 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 agencies (NZTA, Greater Wellington Regional Council, etc.) have been quite firm that members they 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 had been wearing masks but, as of Monday, all will have to.
