Mask avoidance on ferries sees Covid surge, claims CalMac boss

CalMac says passenger numbers have been rising to almost the record levels seen in 2019

Ferry operator CalMac has appealed to passengers to heed advice on wearing face coverings after multiple sailings were disrupted by Covid cases.

Masks must be worn indoors on ferries, but CalMac said compliance had dropped from 95% to almost 50% on some routes.

Managing director Robbie Drummond said in 10 of the past 31 days sailings on the west coast network had been affected by positive cases.

Cases mean crew members having to self isolate and a deep clean of ferries.

CalMac runs more than 30 boats to over 50 ports and harbours, which are located in the Western Isles, Inner Hebrides, Highlands, Ayrshire and Argyll and Bute.

Services had been drastically reduced due to the pandemic, but following the relaxation of Covid rules earlier this year passenger numbers have rebounded to almost the record levels seen in 2019.

To protect customers and crew from infection, face coverings are mandatory indoors on ferries unless a person is exempt.

Mr Drummond told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme there were concerns about a growing number of people failing to comply with the measure.

He said that while it was not certain how Covid was being brought on board ferries, the wearing of face coverings helped to reduce the risk.

Mr Drummond said: "We are doing everything we can to inform passengers in emails, posters at ports, frequent messages on board, but we don't have enforcement powers.

"Our staff are regularly reminding passengers to use face coverings."

Mr Drummond said the majority of people complied when asked to put on a mask.

The rules on facemasks haven't changed but there are growing suggestions that compliance is slipping.

In Scotland they should still be worn on public transport and in shops unless someone has an exemption. This might be on medical grounds or because of a disability. Some disabilities are hidden.

Actually enforcing the rule appears to be difficult though.

Scotrail says it is not the role of its staff to actually enforce the rule and there is anecdotal evidence that the number of passengers who are wearing a mask is slipping.

Some Calmac staff have certainly been heard reminding customers they should wear a mask but again it is difficult to see what they may be able to do in practice if a passenger either claims they are exempt - even if they don't have a lanyard - or simply takes the mask off again later.

Unless sanctions can be imposed, the law on facemasks effectively relies on people willingly complying because they believe it is the right thing to do.

• RULES: What are the restrictions in your area?

• EASING: What rules are changing, and when?

• CASES: Where are the latest cases in Scotland?

• WHO? The people who have died with Covid-19