British Columbia remains under a state of emergency.
B.C. government announced in a press release that it is formally extending the current state of emergency so that Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, can continue to use “extraordinary powers” under the Emergency Program Act to support the province’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
“Government and public health officials are doing what we can to fight this pandemic, but individual responsibility is going to play a major role in how this pandemic turns out,” said Premier John Horgan, said in a press release.”As we head into fall, every one of us needs to be following public health guidance to the letter so we can keep schools safe, keep the economy moving and flatten the curve.”
The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials, according to the government. The original state of emergency was declared back on March 18, one day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency.
“We’re asking British Columbians to do the right thing and continue taking the health of your family, friends and neighbours seriously,” said Farnworth. “We’ve put measures in place to protect people and deal with those who insist on breaking the rules. We all need to take personal responsibility and make choices that will keep our communities safe.”
The current state of emergency will expire Sept. 29.
CHEK News
