I write concerning the Associated Press news story published June 2, reporting the elation of Sen. Susan Collins on the potential of the reopening of the Maine-New Brunswick border and the harm the closing had caused to families and businesses in Maine.
The story should have highlighted the pandemic experience, particularly health outcomes, on each side of the border. Of extraordinary note has been the extreme differential of COVID case and death rates:
• Cases per 100,000: Maine, 4,984; New Brunswick, 285.
• Deaths per 100,000: Maine, 61; New Brunswick, 5.5
Sen. Collins might have congratulated our neighboring province for their exceptional efforts in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the health of their residents and communities. She could share lessons we in Maine might learn from New Brunswick’s far superior success in limiting COVID cases and deaths.
But no, the news release from the senator’s office simply shares her joy at the termination of New Brunswick’s cruel treatment of our state. While some Maine businesses and families no doubt suffered, the entirely different health outcomes speak for themselves.
Aaron Shapiro
South Portland
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