Just returned from a driving trip to/from Vancouver BC/Denver Co and thought I would post a couple observations/comments.
Diligently prepared for crossing border S/B, ensuring all paperwork (proof of full vaccination etc) in order.
Arrived to the border on first day of S/B opening. Handed over Nexus cards to officer. He took a quick look, handed them back and wished us a great trip. No questions about our vaccination status. Contrast our return crossing where we not only went through the Covid first degree (which I applaud), but were given a take-home test kit for Health Canada ("randomly selected") even though we had to test positive prior to N/B crossing.
Drove through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Progressing south/east, mask use and other protocols were strict in Washington, less so in Oregon and diminished the further distance travelled, to the point it was random chaos in the Denver area. There, a few places required masks/distancing, few others had protocol requirements displayed but enforcement was lax at best. And in most other places, it was as if Covid had never occurred.
The worst two places, one a children's event with hundreds of parents and children, another a Build a Bear store, both ignored all safety protocols, even though at both, employees were masked and protocols were listed. Build a Bear had a customer limit (35) and the usual 2m stand-on spots. Upon our arrival, they were almost double the limit and were so crammed, everyone was rubbing shoulders. Few customers at either location, wore a mask.
Of note, at out hotel, the staff were unmasked and, although obvious on placards about the premise, no protocols were enforced, some guests were masked. I asked one of the front desk staff about no masking. She, a 30-ish year old female, replied "It's our right not to be masked". When I asked about the rights of the as-yet vaccinated children and other vulnerable, she just looked at me with a stupid grin on her face. The conversation ended there.
Happened to flip through some channels at our hotel in Twin Falls Idaho. There were about a half dozen religious programs, most of which who were preaching anti-vax. On one, a Jewish Minister (?) and Doctor, obviously had a hate on for Anthony Faucci (sp?) and boldly stated the variants were a government induced method to control the citizens. Bizarre.
I simply do not understand how the unvaxxed/unmasked expect this issue to be solved solely by us, who vax/mask. Or maybe they don't.....
On a positive note, took my camera with me and was able to grab a couple decent shots enroute. And was able to have a super time with my 9 year old grand-daughter who I have not seen in two years (which was the sole purpose for the trip - she is my best buddy).
And, Americans are crazy drivers....but that is for another post.
Marv
