A photograph of two tour boats at Niagara Falls sums up the differences in international response to coronavirus.
The photograph, captures a Canadian tour boat cruising near another tour boat owned by an American company as tourists take in the view. The Canadian boat is almost empty, carrying only a handful of tourists, while the American boat is packed with tourists.
The Canadian boat, operated by Hornblower Niagara Cruises, has a capacity of about 700 people but is only allowing six tourists, meanwhile the operator of the boat on the US side, Maid of the Mist, can operate with 230 passengers at a time, but operated according to New York State guidelines with anti-COVID measures.
“Guests are reminded about social distancing when they board the vessel and distance markers are placed throughout the facility,” the company said. “They are required to wear face coverings during their visit, as there are areas within the facility, including on board the vessel, where social distancing may not be possible.”
The vice president of Hornblower Niagara Cruises said he would love to be able to sell as many tickets as the US operators.
“When you look at what’s happening in Ontario or Canada, there’s clearly a difference,” he said. “That’s clearly evident in terms of what’s happening with respect to the number of infections and recoveries and deaths proportionate to the population base of our two countries.”
“I feel awful for them (in the US). They’re our friends and our neighbours. And obviously, the epidemic is getting worse, not better.”
Photos by Getty Images