Photo: Delta Optimist

Despite urgent pleas from the provincial government and BC Ferries to stay home this long weekend, many are ignoring those warnings.

Ferry traffic was busy Thursday and continues Friday morning with sailings at 75 to 80 per cent capacity leaving the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.

“We’re asking customers to avoid all non-essential travel over the Easter long weekend. It's crucial that we follow the advice of  @PHSAofBC. Stay at home this weekend,” said BC Ferries on its Twitter feed.

On its website, BC Ferries said it has  an obligation under the Province of B.C.’s State of Emergency to prioritize traffic for essential services, like transporting goods and medical personnel.

“These measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of communities and our crew. If your travel is not essential, you may be delayed if there is an overload,” said BC Ferries.

In response on Twitter to many people who were critical of BC Ferries for not enforcing travel restrictions BC Ferries said they are not authorized to restrict travel in this regard.

“Any enforcement will need to be based on directive from the provincial government, BC Ferries said.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast NDP MLA Nicholas Simons expressed his frustration as well on Twitter.

“For weeks Dr. Henry has said don’t travel if it’s not essential. Yesterday ferries to the Sunshine Coast were full of people who deserve to live in a dictatorship. The rest of us respect seniors, health care workers and each other.”