If you’re taking the bus in Kamloops, you will have to wear a mask as of August 24.

BC Transit is making masks mandatory later this month on all of its transit systems, though there will be exemptions for children under the age of 5 and people who can’t wear a mask because of health reasons.

“We recognize the advice from health professionals, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, has been to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible including on transit vehicles,” BC Transit said in a statement. “Customers have indicated making the use of face coverings mandatory will create a more comfortable environment.”

It says while masks will be mandatory, the focus will be on education rather than enforcement – a move similar to TransLink in the Lower Mainland and other transit agencies in Canada.

“We will work hard to ensure customers are aware of our new policy over the coming weeks, and work together to make transit a comfortable environment for staff and customers,” the statement added.

Last month, BC Transit said it was retrofitting 633 buses in Kamloops and other communities with full driver doors to give bus drivers an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 while they are on the job.

If you’re looking for more details about the mandatory mask policy, you can do so online here or call your local transit office.