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NEWS RELEASE | |
For Immediate Release 2020EMBC0022-000783 April 29, 2020 |
Emergency Management BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General |
B.C. extending state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response French translation available |
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VICTORIA – The provincial state of emergency is being extended for the third time, to support the extraordinary measures taken by the Province under the Emergency Program Act to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. “British Columbians have shown great leadership in our efforts to flatten the curve, but we can’t take our foot off the gas now,” said Premier John Horgan. “As we look toward the future and our ‘new normal,’ we must remember what got us to this point and continue to stay the course now to keep our communities and our loved ones safe.” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has officially extended the state of emergency through the end of the day on May 12, 2020. “I want to relay our government's gratitude to the large majority of people who are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 in B.C.,” Farnworth said. “By extending the state of emergency, we will continue to take action to keep our communities safe through this challenging time, and make sure we stay on the right path in the weeks and months ahead.” During the last two weeks of the provincial state of emergency, government has taken action to support British Columbians by:
These actions are part of government's COVID-19 Action Plan, which includes $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and direct funding to support people, businesses and services. The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. Farnworth made the original declaration on March 18, 2020, after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency the previous day. The Province has created 1 888 COVID-19 (1 888 268-4319) to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and physical distancing, as well as access to support and resources from the provincial and federal governments. The call line is available seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time), in 110 languages. People with questions related to their health and COVID-19 should call 811. Quick Facts:
Learn More: For information on non-medical issues like travel recommendations and how to manage social isolation, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID-19 For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers, businesses and schools, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel) For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BCCDC on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit its website: http://www.bccdc.ca/ For a French translation: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020.04.29-NR-State_Of_Emergency_Extended-FR.pdf |
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Contacts: | |
For non-medical information relating to COVID-19: Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19 Email: servicebc@gov.bc.ca Or call: 1 888 COVID-19 | Joint Information Centre Media Relations 236 478-1336 |