Skip to content

POLL: Should would-be snowbirds stay home during the pandemic?

Many have decided to weather the winter here, while others have flown to warmer locales
plane-tropical
Shutterstock

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many snowbirds with difficult choices to make.

While the Canada-U.S. land border is closed to non-essential travel, there’s nothing stopping Canadians from flying to countries with open borders.

That hasn’t stopped federal and local health officials from advising against such travel.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s medical officer of health, Dr. Charles Gardner, issued a special statement recently that reads, in part, “Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.”

Those who choose to fly to warmer climes during this pandemic have drawn the ire of many, while others are more sympathetic.

As one snowbird who decided to stay home this year mentioned in a recent interview with OrilliaMatters, she knows of people who are “scampering for a place to live” during the winter because they only have seasonal residences here.

Another snowbird quoted in the article is currently in Florida and said she doesn’t see an issue with fleeing the cold weather as long as people are following safety precautions.

There is no shortage of opinions on the matter, and we want to hear yours. Take part in the poll below or leave a comment with your thoughts.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.