VANCOUVER -- A group of residents on Vancouver Island have started a petition in an effort to restrict access to the region.

Tens of thousands of people have added their signatures online, asking for restrictions to be put in place.

The petition suggests only residents and those providing essential services and supplies should be able to travel to the island.

Last week, BC Ferries reduced its service to the Gulf Islands in response to concerns about an increase in visitors. 

And on Friday, the provincial public safety minister, B.C. mayors and residents of the province expressed their frustration over travellers flouting public health orders to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of BC Ferries' sailings were full on Friday, and roads out of Metro Vancouver were crowded with vehicles, many of which had boats and campers in tow.

Some said they were travelling on important errands, but many appeared to be violating the guidelines against non-essential travel. 

But B.C.'s provincial health officer maintains a crackdown is unnecessary. Speaking to media during her daily update on cases, she said she's already made public her appeal to avoid non-essential travel.

"I think it's safe to say that we have been united in keeping our firewall strong across the province and BC Ferries continues to report more than 80 per cent decline on travellers on all of their routes, so that is something that reassures us," she said.

And she reminded those making assumptions about people boarding ferries that there are many reasons that would be considered essential travel, including delivering food and medication, and going home.

"Many students as well are now returning home as the semesters have ended for our universities and that is an important thing for them," Henry said Monday.

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