The dizzying rise in COVID-19 cases in the state puts Denise Dumont on guard.
If we go out, I don’t feel safe outside my perimeter
, explains us this Canadian installed in Hollywood with her husband.
No more yoga, gym and groceries. She has her food delivered. The behavior of certain citizens of Florida worries him. There will always be respectful people and others who decide that the law and disease are not for them
, adds Ms. Dumont.
Denise Dumont, Director General and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper “Le Soleil de la Floride”
Photo: Radio-Canada / Étienne Bruyère
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Editor-in-chief of the French-language newspaper The Florida Sun, she now works from home.
We protect ourselves, we protect others, and we hope that all this happens.
She is not the only one to take shelter from COVID-19. Christiane Laporte, who works in the accommodation sector, has lived in Florida for 18 years.
The adopted Floridian limits her movements to the minimum because she fears COVID-19.
Life has changed, it’s deprivation all the time. We’re happy to be at home, but we’re starting to suffocate at home
, she says.
The brutal departure of Canadian travelers
The streets of the city of Hollywood in Florida have been empty since the start of the pandemic, when the snowbirds returned to Canada.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Étienne Bruyère
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Dany Haman proudly prepares two Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. It is the specialty of its snack bar located in the heart of Hollywood.
Barely a few months ago, this neighborhood was teeming with Quebecers. Their departure was sudden in late March.
It hit me, it was really serious. All Canadians left at the same time. It was a short season
, explains this Magogois who arrived in Florida 30 years ago.
Richard Clavet, owner of several hotel establishments in the sector, explains that business has resumed thanks to American customers and the summer period.
Richart Clavet, owner of the iconic Motel Richard, wonders when Canadian tourists can and will want to return to Florida.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Étienne Bruyère
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A big question remains. When will Canadian tourists return? The reservation book is full, but question marks remain.
Will they reopen the borders? [Les Québécois] will they be able to insure themselves? Will there be a vaccine?
, asks Mr. Clavet, owner of the iconic Motel Richard, in particular.
It is human contact with Canadian travelers and social life that is most lacking in Christiane Laporte. They left too quickly. Those who had been there for two or three months, we knew them, we had fun. We were happy to say hello in the morning
, she concludes.
In addition to economic impacts and health risks, it is also a lifestyle that is upset.
Has the idea of going back to Canada crossed their minds? Denise Dumont replied without hesitation that it was out of the question. We are not used to the cold
, she jokes.
Florida, for better and for worse.
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