The provincial government formally extended B.C.’s state of emergency on Tuesday, with a new expiration date of March 2nd, 2021.
The new deadline is just shy of a year since the state of emergency was first declared on March 18th, 2020.
“The fight against COVID-19 has been a long and difficult one, and I am proud of what British Columbians have accomplished to flatten the curve and protect our health-care system,” said Premier John Horgan.
“The beginning of our mass vaccination program is just weeks away, and health-care workers have already vaccinated virtually everyone in our long-term care system.”
The Province, together with law enforcement, continues to enforce the measure under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19.
This includes ticketing owners, operators and event organizers who host an event or gathering against Dr. Bonnie Henry’s order.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said that the “vast majority of British Columbians are getting the message[…]. For the few who aren’t getting the message, police departments across B.C. have been doing an excellent job.”
According to the province, 1,058 violation tickets for contraventions of provincial guidelines were issued from August 21st, 2020 to February 12th, 2021.
Police have issued 94 violation tickets, totalling $102,695, to individuals who were in violation of the Federal Quarantine Act.
Further extensions of the provincial state of emergency can be made for periods of up to 14 days at a time.
