Coronavirus: 99 percent of Wellington’s public transport commuters mask themselves

Wellingtons joined the rest of the country in generally complying with the law regarding the mandatory use of masks on public transport.

Some of the reasons offered by travelers to the capital for why they wore masks on Monday while traveling on buses, trains, and ferries included “for those who can’t,” to avoid Covid-19, and “because my mom said that” .

All travelers at alert level 2 and above are now required to wear masks, and as of Thursday people will also be required to register with QR codes when using public transportation.

Metlink CEO Scott Gallacher said Monday night service passengers continued to do the right thing and wear face covers.

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“We are amazed by the reaction so far. People are taking this latest government advice seriously and it’s great to see the response on trains, buses, ferries and social media. “

Metlink ambassadors would continue to be present to assist passengers throughout the week at key stops, docks and stations.

“We knew that some people could not get a mask in time to [Monday] morning trip, so our ambassadors were there to provide masks to some of our clients and offer assistance.

“But the number of people who did not have a covered face [Monday] The morning he required our help was very small. “

Gallacher said earlier in the day that he estimated more than 99 percent of riders complied with the new rules.

Mike Leigh had been selling masks outside of the Wellington train station on Monday night during rush hour and said he had only sold about eight in the hour between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Leigh’s wife made the masks that he sells at his home in Titahi Bay. He had returned to selling at the station, after doing the same after closing earlier in the year.

A security guard at the Wellington train station site said Monday night that he had worked all day, even during the Monday morning rush, and had experienced no incidents of assault or non-compliance. “We are all doing our bit. I’m just on hold, ”the man said.

Police were equally encouraged by the public’s response to the new rules, saying Monday night that they were pleased to see people “overwhelmingly complying” with masks or face coverings.

Police had a greater presence across the country at key transportation hubs and distributed thousands of masks Monday, Deputy Commissioner Richard Chambers said.

“The feedback I have received from the staff has been that the interactions with the public today have been positive and that people were aware of the importance of wearing a mask.”

Police spoke to a “very small” number of people who did not have masks. It’s important to remember that some people were exempted for medical or other reasons, Chambers said.

Police would continue to have a larger community presence to remind Kiwis of the requirements.

“For those who are struggling with why masks are mandatory, I encourage you to reflect on the damage that this pandemic has caused abroad,” he said.

Gallacher also emphasized that covering the face was a matter of personal responsibility.

Wellington passenger Maren Bouttell said she enjoyed how masks were becoming a fashion accessory and thought that made wearing them more fun.

It was important for people to wear masks to ensure that those unable to do so for health or other reasons were safe, Bouttell said.

Passenger Jackson Taurarii said he didn’t really know why he was wearing a mask, except that his mother told him.

Anyone caught by law enforcement who does not wear a mask without a reasonable excuse can be instantly fined $ 300 or a fine of up to $ 1000 imposed through the courts.