COVID testing restrictions were lifted for the border. Here’s what Whatcom saw for crossings
In the first weekend of no COVID-19 testing requirements, Whatcom County’s border crossings were very busy, resembling almost pre-pandemic levels of traffic.
The daily number of vehicles crossing four of the five Whatcom border crossings northbound and southbound topped 15,000 vehicles on Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, according to data posted on the Cascade Gateway website. Throughout February the average was around 5,000 vehicles a day, while late March was peaking at around 7,800 vehicles a day.
An increase in traffic was expected after the Canadian government lifted its testing requirement for COVID-19 on Friday, April 1. Travelers are still required to submit information into the ArriveCAN app or website before arriving at the border crossing.
Given the number of inquiries the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce received from Canadians in the days leading up to April 1, President/CEO Guy Occhiogrosso said he wasn’t shocked by the busy weekend at the border. He expects that level of traffic to continue and possibly even rise as long as there isn’t a surge in COVID cases.
Even with the big jump this weekend, Occhiogrosso believes it will still take time to reach cross-border traffic levels seen prior to pandemic outbreak more than two years ago. He noted that for Whatcom County residents, the big jump over the weekend certainly makes it feel like Canadians are back in full force, particularly at places like Trader Joe’s and Costco.
“We’ll just have to wait and see where it goes from here,” Occhiogrosso said, adding that this area will have a better idea in the coming weeks, particularly as we reach the Canadian three-day holidays including Easter weekend on April 16 and Victoria Day on May 23.
