Photo: Glacier Media

As new restrictions come into effect barring people with symptoms of COVID-19 from planes and trains, ferry operators say want the federal government to ban such travellers from their vessels as well.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the travel ban for domestic flights and intercity trains over the weekend as the federal government seeks to curb the spread of the deadly respiratory illness.

But Canadian Ferry Association president Serge Buy says those displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should also be banned from boarding ferries.

The only exception would for emergencies, such as if someone needs to get to a hospital.

Buy says the respiratory illness has worsened already severe work shortages in the ferry sector.

And he says the infection of one crew member could disrupt the transport of passengers and goods to communities who rely on such service.