NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario (Reuters) – The Niagara Falls tourist spot has won a new photo shoot to socially distance Canadian visitors aboard the ferries that take them into the mist of the falls – crowds of Americans.
The US tourist boat Maid Of The Mist, limited to 50% occupancy under New York State rules amid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), glides past a limited Canadian ship under the Ontario rules only six passengers, at Niagara Falls, Ontario. , Canada July 21, 2020. REUTERS / Carlos Osorio
Although COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States, neighboring Canada has managed to largely contain the spread of the virus, aided by strict social distancing measures and mandatory masks in various jurisdictions.
At the famous waterfalls on the United States-Canada border, Canadian ferries are limited to just six passengers per boat, with a capacity of 700 people. But on the American side, the ferries are operating at 50% of their capacity, according to Maid of the Mist boat tours.
“We really took a picture of the (American) boat,” said Julie Pronovost, who visited Quebec with her family on Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s very safe to be on a ship like that. Here it is much better.
Maid of the Mist could not immediately be reached for comment, but its website said it was following the guidance of New York state public health officials. The boats contain markers to keep visitors spaced, and face linings are required, among other security changes, he said.
Mory DiMaurizio, general manager and vice president of Hornblower Niagara Cruises of Canada, said the limits imposed on his business by the Ontario provincial government were “disappointing” and that it was “frustrating” to see the American ships relatively full.
“However, we have made lemonade with lemons,” DiMaurizio said, referring to a new VIP cruise the company has created: a nearly empty boat, plus a meal and a funicular ride included with the ticket. Health precautions include temperature controls and mandatory masks.
The popularity of the cruise at C $ 69.95 ($ 52.00) per person “really surprised us,” DiMaurizio said.
The United States reported 57,777 new cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, compared to Canada’s 786. Since the outbreak began, the United States has reported about 118 coronavirus cases per 10,000 residents, while Canada has about 30.
Canadian authorities are dealing with unwanted tourists slipping across the border and allowing travelers, including essential workers, those heading to Alaska, and families to be reunited, who violate strict quarantine laws and cause concern about possible outbreaks in various provinces.
Tourists at the falls on Tuesday said they felt much safer with the limit of six people per boat.
“I’m glad to be in Canada,” said Amanda Barnes of Brampton, Ontario. “You can see why the pandemic is raging in the United States and not in Canada when you look at the difference between the ships.”
($ 1 = 1.3451 Canadian dollars)
Report by Carlos Osorio in Niágara; additional reports and briefs by Moira Warburton in Toronto; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien
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