Jumping through Hoops at the Border

 

July 7, 2021

As of June 2021, the Canadian government has extended border closures between the US and Canada. This was not a popular decision on either side. People have been cut off from loved ones, have been unable to access property on the other side of the border, and some people's businesses have been drastically affected, especially those reliant on travel. Hopes were high on either side that by summer, rules would be relaxed.

However, Canada has entered what they call Phase One of their return to normal travel through the border. Do not get excited. This phase helps only a small portion of people affected. I am one of the lucky ones for which this rule change makes a difference. People must be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents to cross into Canada. You must be fully vaccinated with proof of the type of shot( 4 are accepted). You must register online before your trip at Arrivecan, at which time you download your vaccine card on their app. When you get to the border, this will be checked, plus possibly you will also be asked to present the card itself.


Before coming to the border, you must have a Covid test--negative results, of course. They must be of a certain kind--rapid tests are not allowed. I asked questions, and the type I need can be found by appointment in Havre or Great Falls. The test must be within 72 hours of crossing. I was told 73 hours, and we turn you back. After presenting my negative test result, passport, and dog's rabies certificates, I must give them the address and phone number of where I can quarantine. All kinds of rules about where that can be: fortunately, I still have my own house there, so that part is easy for me. I will be given a Covid test to do once arriving at my place of quarantine. Immediately upon arriving at my quarantine place, I must call Health Canada and verify I am at the address I told border agents. They will then walk me through testing myself, and Fed Ex will pick up my test. I will be informed within approximately three days of the results. If negative, I am free to go about my business. If positive, I must quarantine for two weeks with several tests before I can leave my house. You must have a support person in place who can provide you with groceries, medicine, or whatever during your quarantine, whether for three days or more. Their name, address, and phone number must be given at the border also. They do check everything!! A friend recently arriving back in Canada before the slackening of rules had two weeks of quarantine with several phone calls verifying she was indeed there. She also had three" drop-in" visits from Health Canada. Since I am not in a city, I will be checked by the RCMP. If you are discovered to have given false information, you can be fined $750,000, six months of jail, or both. If you are found in non-compliance with the quarantine, you will be fined $5,000.00 a day you have been out of compliance, or if there are more serious infractions, you are fined more plus get six months in prison. This is a good time to be perfectly honest and abide by the rules! I have even heard of people "ratting out" neighbors. Big Brother and Big Sister are watching you.


I have my appointment for testing, and everything else in order, so fingers crossed. I called the Canadian border where I cross, and they could not give me exact information about how they will hook up with Arrivecan or precisely what else these new rules might entail. How comforting. I was told to call closer to July 5. As usual, all things government are seriously lacking in organization.

Further relaxing of the border, for instance, allowing Americans and other " foreigners " in that are non-essential, is likely months down the road. Canada is being supremely cautious and hopes to have 75% of Canadian citizens fully vaccinated before relaxing admittance. As of June 18, only 14.7 percent had both shots. They are also keeping an eye on the variants and how they are reacting to the current vaccines. They are watching other country's rates of infection also. So, in other words, we are probably looking at several months before the border rules are relaxed any further. I am very grateful that I can cross now without a long quarantine. Yes, there is hoop-jumping, but it will be worth seeing my children and grandchildren after no contact since September 2020. I feel very sad for those still not allowed in to see loved ones or visit their family cabin etc. Business people affected are in a terrible situation with no help in sight for what appears to be a considerable time. The pandemic continues to ruin people's lives and livelihoods.

Nothing about this expedition--for that is what it is, is simple. I need to take along six medications for my dogs that will last our stay. Also, their food must be brought as it's by vet prescription. My kids have given me lists of things you can only find here, so I already have a big tote filled with things from clothes to groceries too, as I call it," goat carry" to them- Everything from makeup brushes to Jaunita's cheese sauce. Each thing can not be over $ 60.00. It's best to have a list--trust me. You have no idea. Planning World War Three could not be much more complicated.

So, on July 7, spare a kind thought for my stalwart dogs and me entering the hoop-jumping competition. May the force be with us, and may we clear all hoops!

 
 

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