Emergency not over: province extends Covid declaration

Mar 30, 2021 | 4:41 PM Pete McIntyre

There is still no end in sight to B.C.’s state of emergency.

The declaration that gives the government extraordinary powers during the pandemic, has been extended another two weeks to April 13.

“While the finish line remains in sight, rising case counts and the spread of variants of concern mean we all must continue working together to keep each other safe,” said Premier John Horgan.

The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), declared a public health emergency.

Public safety minister Mike Farnworth said the virus continues to be a risk to health and public safety, yet some people are just not getting the message.

“Last week, we more than doubled fines for those who promote or attend a non-compliant gathering from $230 to $575, and we won’t hesitate to take further action if people continue to put safety at risk. I urge all British Columbians to keep a level head and say no to these kinds of events until we can get COVID-19 under control,” Farnworth said.

Provincial statistics indicate 1,570 violation tickets were issued between Aug. 21, 2020 and March 26, 2021:

1,280 $230 tickets have been issued to individuals who failed to comply with PHO orders.
242 $2,300 tickets have been issued to owners or organizers contravening the PHO order on gatherings and events during the same time period,
and 48 $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO’s food and liquor serving premises order