While we’re getting closer to the day when British Columbia’s record-setting state of emergency due to COVID-19 can end, we’re not quite there yet.
As a result, the Government of BC announced today that the state of emergency has been extended for a 32nd time.
It’s now in effect through the end of the day on June 22.
Premier John Horgan said that a “more-normal summer” is within reach, but BC residents still need to be careful.
"We have seen how quickly case counts can rise if we let our guards down, so I urge everyone to keep following the public health guidance to keep each other safe,” he said.
“The sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can advance to the next step of BC's Restart and safely get back to all the things we enjoy."
The state of emergency allows health and emergency management officials to continue using extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support BC’s pandemic response.
Every extension is based on the recommendations of those same health and emergency management officials.
The Government of BC continues to use measures under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19, which includes the current public health restrictions.
"I know we're all looking forward to the day when the orders are removed, but right now they're still in place,” explained Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety.
“So, I want to remind everyone that it's important to continue to obey the orders and follow the public health guidance as we move forward."
The state of emergency has been in effect since March 18, 2020.
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