Couples Forced to Separate Due to Coronavirus Restrictions
Rebecca Holman lives in Alberta, Canada. Daniel Collins, who is her boyfriend, lives in Tennessee. They have been together for a year, but they have not been able to see each other for months due to travel restrictions. Some people have been able to get exemptions to reunite with their families. For example, Canada has provided exemptions for couples who are married or live together.
Unfortunately, Rebecca and Daniel have not been able to get an exemption. Daniel has been forced to keep changing the dates that he has requested off from his employer. It is easier to fly out of Canada than it is to fly into Canada. However, Rebecca, who works as a hairdresser, could lose her job if she flies to Tennessee.
Rebecca is working reduced hours and supplementing her income with unemployment checks. If she travels to Tennessee, then she will have to quarantine for 14 days when she comes back from Canada.
How Couples Are Working Around the Restrictions
Eric Simpson is an attorney who practices in Toronto. He has been able to help couples who have been trying to reunite with their loved ones. Eric has helped them get the paperwork that they need in order to leave.
Daniel was planning to move to Canada before the pandemic hit. However, he does not know when he will be able to see Rebecca again. It will take several months to complete the immigration applications. They can only communicate via video chat.
When Will the Border Open?
America’s borders with Canada will stay closed until October 21. They stated that non-essential travel will be limited in order to slow down the spread. Bill Blair is the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. He stated that they are doing everything that they can in order to keep the people in Canada safe.
The border was supposed to open on September 21. However, health officials decided to extend the time again after Covid 19 cases began to rise in Canada and the United States. The closure of borders does not mean that people cannot travel to and from Canada.
However, there are strict requirements that have to be met. People who return to Canada will have to quarantine for 14 days. People who refuse to quarantine may be sent to jail.
In August, a man was fined for refusing to quarantine. He is currently facing jail time.
