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Boats at Niagara Falls highlight stark social distancing differences in US and Canada

A picture of two tourist boats at Niagara Falls shows the stark difference between social distancing measures in the United States and Canada.

Although cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the US, neighbouring Canada has largely managed to contain the spread of the virus, helped by strict social distancing measures and mandatory face masks.

At the famous waterfalls on the US-Canadian border, Canadian ferries are limited to just six passengers per boat, out of a 700 person capacity.

But on the US side, the ferries are operating at 50 per cent capacity, according to Maid of the Mist boat tours.

REUTERS
REUTERS

"We actually took a picture of the boat," said Julie Pronovost, visiting from Quebec with her family on Tuesday.

"I don't find that it's very safe to be on a boat like that. It's much better here."

The website for Maid of the Mist said it was following the guidance of New York State public health officials.

The boats contain markers to keep visitors spaced out, and face coverings are compulsory, among other safety changes, it said.

The American tourist boat is operating at 50 per cent capacity (REUTERS)
The American tourist boat is operating at 50 per cent capacity (REUTERS)

Mory DiMaurizio, general manager and vice president of Canada's Hornblower Niagara Cruises, said the limits placed on its business by the Ontario provincial government were "disappointing" and said it was "frustrating" to see the American boats relatively full.

"However we've made lemonade out of lemons," Mr DiMaurizio said, referring to a new VIP cruise the company has created - a near-empty boat, plus a meal and funicular ride included with the ticket.

Health precautions include temperature checks and mandatory masks.

Canadian ferries are limited to six passengers per boat (REUTERS)
Canadian ferries are limited to six passengers per boat (REUTERS)

Tourists at the falls on Tuesday said they felt much safer with the six person per boat limit.

"I'm glad I'm 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 boats."

The US reported 57,777 new Covid-19 cases as of Tuesday, compared with Canada's 786.