BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Americans on Monday had their first opportunity to cross into Canada for non-essential travel for the first time in 17 months
While some are looking to return to vacation homes, others reunited with family members who they have not seen since the start of the pandemic.
Mary Scibetta, a Depew woman, is one person where the latter applies. She crossed the border on Monday to visit her sister in Ridgeway. It was Mary's first opportunity to meet her great-nephew who was born during the pandemic.
But it was also an emotional reunion for Mary and her sister following the passing of their mother who died due to complications of COVID-19.
"It was wonderful," Scibetta said. "It was a very happy time. Very happy and tearful at the same time."
Some who are returning to their properties for the first time are in no mood to celebrate. Cindy Munschauer and her husband, Stephen, arrived to their home in Ridgeway and plan to assess the damage caused by a break-in two months ago. Cindy told WBEN the suspects for the break-in were caught but
"We have added apprehension," Cindy said. "We also had a major tree fall down that covered the entrance to our property which we hope is removed right now...We're very anxious to get up there and assess everything."
Americans traveling into Canada must be vaccinated and test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their entry into the country. Scibetta recommends others heading into the country to get a rapid test because, despite receiving a test on Friday, she had not learned her results over the weekend and received a second one. Munschauer said she received a rapid test from the Erie County Department of Health.
Both described no issues once they got to the border and no wait.
The border closure for Canadians into America expires on August 21. All foreign nationals who qualify as fully vaccinated will be allowed to tentatively enter Canada beginning September 7.
