B.C. state of emergency extended

B.C.’s state of emergency has been extended another two weeks to September 1.

The declaration allows the government to continue to take necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns, such as recent outbreaks in some areas of the province.

Public safety minister and solicitor general Mike Farnworth says the government will be introducing new measures this week to address unsafe parties and gatherings which are driving up Covid-19 case numbers, mostly in the Lower Mainland.

“We put these orders in place for a reason, and they are not optional,” Farnworth said. “Public health orders must be followed to ensure public safety, and I will be bringing in new measures later this week to address the actions of those who demonstrate their indifference to the health and safety of others.”

“The vast majority of British Columbians are following Dr. Henry’s orders of seeing fewer faces in bigger spaces, but we all have to remain committed to flattening the curve,” said Premier John Horgan. “British Columbians have sacrificed a lot to keep transmission rates down, and now unsafe parties and gatherings are eroding that hard work. We’re committed to getting our province back on track and will be announcing enforcement action against those who continue to put others at risk.”