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One-way international bridge crossings into Sault, Ont. have increased significantly in August 2021 compared to 2020.
However, the numbers are nowhere near pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
According to statistics released by the International Bridge Authority today, 21,149 vehicles crossed in the month of August this year. Comparatively, in August 2020, 13,069 vehicles crossed. This difference in crossings is 8,113 which represents an increase of 62.2 per cent for the month of August.
In 2019, the number of vehicles that crossed was 151,361.
The breakdown for 2021 is as follows:
- Full-fare passenger cars: 6,971
- Pre-paid account fare: 6,147
- Car pulling trailers: 1,735
- Commercial trucks: 6,296
Traffic for the calendar year-to date on Aug. 31, 2021, is 110,612.
Presumably, the rise in crossings into Canada this August compared to last can be linked to the fact that as of Aug. 9, fully vaccinated Americans were permitted to enter the country for non-essential reasons.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has advised Americans to 'reconsider travel' to Canada, mainly for the benefit of those not yet vaccinated against COVID-19.
Monday's new Level 3 travel advisory marked a quick end to a three-week period when the State Department's warning to would-be travellers to Canada was at Level 2, or "exercise increased caution."
Starting Sept. 7, the federal government plans to open Canada's borders to any fully vaccinated travellers with a government accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering the country.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has extended its restrictions on non-essential travel until at least Sept. 21.