The provincial state of emergency is being extended for the third time, in order to continue with measures taken under the Emergency Program Act and to continue to flatten the curve and keep people safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General officially extended the state of emergency until end of day May 12, 2020.

The province originally declared a state of emergency on March 17, 2020. On March 31, after evaluating the Covid-19 situation within the province, the state of emergency was extended to April 14, 2020. From there the state of emergency was extended a second time, to be re-evaluated on April 28 before being extended for the third time.

“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 BC,” said Farnworth.

“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.”

The extension of the state of emergency was based on recommendations from BC’s health and emergency management officials, including Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Provincial governments are only able to extend the period of a declaration of a state of emergency for up to 14 days at a time, and must make new decisions at the end of that two week timeframe.

“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 keep our communities and our loved ones safe.”