Queenscliff ferry continues despite restrictions

THE Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry will continue to run despite the Mornington Peninsula being subject to the same stage 3 restrictions as Melbourne.

The ferry has been deemed an essential service. Consequently, people may only use it for one of the four reasons provided by the Department of Health and Human Services: Shopping for food and supplies, medical care and caregiving, exercise and recreation, and study and work.

Searoad Ferries has made alterations its service to ensure the safety of travellers.

Only one vessel is presently running, the ferry is also cleaned and sanitised every hour, and the terminals are cleaned and sanitised overnight. Social distancing is encouraged through announcements, furniture, and barriers, with passengers also having the option to remain in their vehicles.

The ferry’s schedule has been altered to accommodate these changes, meaning it now only leaves Queenscliff every two hours rather than every hour.

However, Searoad Ferries do not enquire into passengers’ reason for travelling.

Passengers are expected to predominantly be trades, and businesspeople, emergency service workers, and government personnel.

Police are not making specific checks but are still doing random checks on motorists.