Canada Extends Border Closure On American Travelers Until December 21st
On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension to the closure of the US-Canadian Border until December 21 due to the spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths occurring here in the United States. This is the eighth time that the extension has been renewed since the initial one set in place on March 18. Thursday affirmed that Trudeau’s measure, which goes into effect Saturday, was not done prematurely as Canada’s international neighbor to the south reached over 185,000 new cases and as reported by Johns Hopkins University. Canada is keeping with the international trend to offer American travelers limited stay or deny access to their country altogether.
The Peace Arch, the monument representing solidarity between the United States and Canada, equally stands between Washington State and British Columbia. (Photo: Bellingham Herald.)
This means the American ex-pats living in Canada trying to fly south over the border to enjoy Thanksgiving and the many cultural and religious holidays before Christmas will have to stay home and video conference their way to the family table this year. The ones who are already in the United States, however, may have to prepare for a longer stay on someone’s couch. These travel adjustments illustrate what has been a year of adapting for us all in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cases of exposure linked to a profession, lack of access to care, age, pre-existing conditions, being in close contact with members of a household are unavoidable realities for many. The belief that one’s liberties and freedoms can protect them from an airborne virus makes up a vast portion of the grim pie chart of cases and deaths. What’s considered as an act of defiance is just another chance to write another name to the list of those currently battling or fell victim to over the course of these nine months. Maintaining all safety protocols during these times of uncertainty is a sign of respect for those they come in contact with during the day. Until we, on a whole, comprehend that one undeniable fact, expect more foreign governments to think twice before welcoming us with open arms.