VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on June 22, 2021, to allow staff to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

“A more normal summer is within reach, but we still need to be careful,” said Premier John Horgan. “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 Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer (PHO), 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,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “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, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, to use measures under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes issuing tickets for owners, operators and event organizers who host an event or gathering 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.

Learn More:

On Dec. 16, 2020, enforcement measures were expanded.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0108-002083

On Nov. 24, 2020, a mask enforcement order was introduced under the EPA, requiring masks for people over the age of 12 in public indoor settings, unless they are exempt.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960

For information on all recent orders and guidance, as well as general COVID-19 information for all British Columbians, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

• Between Aug. 21, 2020, and June 4, 2021, 2,194 violation tickets were issued, including:
  • 419 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events; 
  • 41 $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order; 
  • 1,649 $230 tickets to individuals who refused to comply with EPA orders;
  • 82 $575 tickets to individuals using the increased violation fines who promoted or attended a non-compliant event;
  • two $575 tickets to an individual for failing to comply with the travel restrictions; and
  • 1 $230 ticket for failing to stop at a road check.
• The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is continually working to align the Emergency Program Act (EPA) enforcement orders with those of the restrictions enacted by the PHO.
• Additionally, since the pandemic began, police agencies in British Columbia have issued 191 violation tickets to individuals who were in contravention of the Federal Quarantine Act, totalling $404,829.
  • The purpose of the Quarantine Act is to protect public health by taking comprehensive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases.
• Since the start of the pandemic, WorkSafeBC has conducted 28,335 COVID-19 related worksite inspections.
• On Dec. 16, 2020, the Province announced enhanced enforcement measures to keep British Columbians safe and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. This included strengthening COVID-19 fine collection measures and asking provincial enforcement officers to support police and increase enforcement by issuing violation tickets during their normal course of duties or when in public places.
• Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the EPA.
• The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of up to 14 days at a time.