By Jenn Watt

Highlands East has added its support to the Canadian government’s decision to extend the border closure with the U.S. and in a resolution passed on July 14 asked that the federal government wait until the spread of COVID-19 is brought under control in the U.S. before considering a reopening.
The resolution which notes the efforts made by Canadians to slow the spread of the coronavirus was brought to council following conversations by the emergency management committee and unanimously passed.

As of July 18 there were more than 3.7 million reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States and more than 140000 deaths according to the New York Times. The seven-day average of daily new cases was 66022. Canada has had nearly 110000 cases more than 8800 deaths and the seven-day average was 379 daily new cases.
The border was closed to non-essential traffic on March 21 an agreement which must be extended every 30 days. It most recently was extended to Aug. 21.

Councillor Suzanne Partridge voted in favour of the motion and clarified why she came to her decision: “We really really value our property owners in Highlands East whose permanent residence is in the United States and really regret that we are feeling that we have to request this but I feel it’s very important for our community.”
The resolution will be forwarded to Ontario Premier Doug Ford as well as to federal and provincial members of parliament.