B.C. extends COVID-19 state of emergency through June 22

Law360 Canada (June 9, 2021, 9:18 AM EDT) -- British Columbia has once again formally extended the provincial state of emergency put in place last year to help support the province’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency will now run until end of day June 22.

“A more normal summer is within reach, but we still need to be careful,” Premier John Horgan said in a statement. “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. 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 extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after provincial health officer (PHO) Bonnie Henry declared a public health emergency.

“Public health guidance is for a reopening plan that is slow and careful, and the orders will continue to follow those recommendations,”  Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said. “I know we’re all looking forward to the day when the orders are removed, but right now they’re still in place. 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 province continues to use measures under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to limit the spread of COVID-19, including tickets for individuals who host gatherings contravening the PHO’s orders. On July 10, 2020, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

British Columbia reported 165 new cases of COVID-19 in the province June 8. According to Henry, 71.9 per cent of people 12 and older have now received their first dose of a vaccine.

More information about B.C.’s COVID-19 response can be found here.

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