BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Is it wise to open the border between the United States and Canada?
The border has been closed for non-essential travel since March 21, 2020 and has had a massive financial impact for both economies. One factor slowing down the reopening of the border is the respective vaccine distribution to both countries.
In Ontario, there is a stay-at-home order that was enacted on April 8 because of a third wave of COVID-19. The order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes like grocery shopping, accessing health care services, outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. 3.6 million Ontario residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and more than 22% of the Canadian population has received at least one dose.
Meanwhile, in the United States, nearly 40% of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine. One in four Americans are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New York is faring better than the national average.
"If you're vaccinated and you wear a face mask, you should be able to travel between the United States and Canada," Congressman Brian Higgins said.
Higgins said it's realistic to expect the border to begin a partial reopening by Memorial Day and full reopening by Fourth of July and Canada Day on July 1. He believes there should be a phased reopening, starting with an expansion of who is considered eligible to include property owners.
"There is no reason why you should not be able to travel to your cottage to maintain it and enjoy it, so long as you are vaccinated and wear a face mask," Higgins said. "Loved ones who have been divided and separated for over a year should be able to reunite. If they are vaccinated and wearing face masks, they pose very little risk if any risk to themselves or anybody else. If you have a business relationship in Canada and are vaccinated…you pose little risk to anyone else. It's common sense."
Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie in Ontario, said he wants to see the Canadian government unveil some type of metric that gives them a goal to reopen.
"We would like there to be a plan," Redekop said. "We want both federal governments to establish a plan and identify what the markers are.
We know the opening will be gradual and incremental and based on protocols. We know our federal government…is focusing on what can be done to ensure the safety of our residents is upper-most in any decisions that are made."
Redekop, though, said he would be surprised if there is a significant reopening soon but hopes there will be some loosened rules by July.
But what about a normal border?
"I would be surprised if it was before the fall," Redekop said. "Even then, there might be some caution. This isn't one of those deals where you get bonus marks for speed. You get bonus marks for prudence."
