OKEECHOBEE- The border between Canada and the United States just reopened, but only in one direction. And there are some requirements travelers must meet.
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On Aug. 9 Canada finally lifted it’s ban on Americans entering the country on non-essential business. Americans wishing to enter the country must be vaccinated and will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers will be required to use the Canadian app ArriveCAN to prove their vaccination status by uploading a photo of their vaccination card.
Those who try to falsify their vaccination records could end up facing fines. On July 19 two travelers attempting to enter Toronto from the United States were fined nearly $20,000 for providing false information related to proof of vaccination.
But Canadians looking to come to the United States will still be barred for another month, regardless of vaccination status.
The border with Canada will remain closed through Aug. 21 for Canadians on non-essential business. It has been closed since March of 2020.
“Any decisions about resuming travel will be guided by our public health and medical experts,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a press conference in July. “I wouldn’t look at it through a reciprocal intention.”
As of Aug. 6, 81% of Canadians 12 years and older have received at least one does of COVID-19 vaccine. In the United States that number is currently 59%.
Heritage Village in Okeechobee is home to a large contingent of French-Canadians who make the yearly trip to Florida. As part of the travel ban, Canadians aren’t allowed to cross the border in their personal vehicles on non-essential travel.
That means the 200 Canadians who usually come to Heritage Village in their recreational vehicles were not able to travel to Okeechobee last year and instead spent the winter in Quebec.
Many of those who come to Heritage Village live in their RVs full-time, even while in Quebec. A good deal of those RVs aren’t equipped to handle the harsh Canadian winter, which forced many to scramble to find a short-term living solution for the colder months.
For now, they’re waiting to see if the U.S. ban will be lifted or if they’ll be spending another winter in Canada.
