Canadians returning home from their winter getaways by car and RV are stopping and shopping in Prescott, Ont., instead of heading straight home into self-isolation, according to the border town’s mayor, Brett Todd.
Canadians returning home by car and RV from their winter getaways are stopping and shopping in Prescott, Ont., instead of heading straight home into self-isolation, according to the border town’s mayor, Brett Todd.
Todd said he’s heard from the mayors of other border towns who are seeing the same trend.
“Returnees like snowbirds seem to be stopping at local grocery stores before going home, which is obviously a major concern for all of us here,” Todd said in an interview on CBC’s Ottawa Morning.
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Todd said the returning travellers are “exposing people to real risk” in Prescott and elsewhere.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the behaviour of some returning travellers unacceptable, saying it puts family members and communities at risk of getting COVID-19.
“If you’re coming from the airport, do not — I repeat, do not — stop at a store. Go directly home and self-isolate for 14 days,” said Ford at a news conference Monday. “Go directly home and stay in your house.”
WATCH | Premier Ford strongly urges travellers to self-isolate as soon as they arrive in Canada:
Premier Doug Ford said travellers are putting themselves, their relatives and everyone else at risk when they fail to go directly home after returning from travel abroad. 1:12
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has also recommended anyone returning to Canada from travel go directly into isolation for two weeks, including those crossing the land border with the U.S.
But Todd said they’re not all heeding that advice.
“What we’ve seen in the last few days is snowbirds and other vacationers are coming back from an extended trip to the U.S., coming home in RVs and hauling trailers. They’re coming across the border both at Ivy Lea and [Prescott]. A fair number are stopping for supplies. Some have been going inside to stock up on groceries and supplies before going home for the 14-day quarantine period,” he said.
WATCH | Health Minister Patty Hajdu on more enforcement:
Health Minister Patty Hajdu says there are a number of ways quarantine measures can be enforced by the government, including random inspections and hotlines. 2:01
Prescott is located in eastern Ontario, directly across the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg, N.Y., near the international crossing at Johnstown, Ont., and about 60 kilometres up Highway 401 fro