Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) in a statement on Monday, has called for the immediate lifting of a directive “encouraging” passengers who cross on Gozo Channel ferries over the Carnival period, to remain in their cars for the entire duration of the trips.

Last month, the Prime Minister announced new measures in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

As regards travel to Gozo, in particular over the carnival weekend period, Abela had explained that those who will be travelling by car will be “encouraged” to stay in their vehicles while on the ferry.

Between the 11th and 17th of February, there will also be temperature checks carried out on people travelling by ferry, which will be operating at half capacity.

Another of the new measures was for those who are a walking passengers and boarding the ferry, LESA officials will ensure that everyone is wearing a mask and respecting social distance

The union said that “such practice goes against international maritime conventions on security as well as Gozo Channel’s own the protocols.”

UHM added that it had immediately drawn the company’s attentions to the risks involved, and insisted that “an independent risk assessment must be carried out on the matter in question.”

The union stressed that, “Gozo Channel masters will not be held liable for any possible consequences which might result from this directive.”

The union said that it is also concerned over the mixed messages, which are creating confusion, with passengers refusing to leave their cars during crossings, telling Gozo Channel personnel “I will not listen to you and ignore the Prime Minister.”

UHM stated that it will “keep insisting for the issuance of a public notice signalling the withdrawal of this directive to quell the existing doubts and in the interest of the safety of the commuters using the ferry service.”

The union also pointed out that controlling passenger movement during the 30-minute crossing is not enough to control the pandemic and could create a false sense of security.

The UHM concluded by saying, “the recent experience of the holiday season when active cases exploded after people turned a blind eye to the Covid-19 restrictions showed that the situation may only remain under control through a broad strategy on various fronts and not just cosmetic measures.”

Photo by Alain Salvary

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