B.C.’s state of emergency extended to Sept. 1 as more enforcement actions are planned

The longest state of emergency in B.C.’s history was extended today, Aug. 18, for two more weeks, running through to the end of the day Sept. 1.

The extension will allow the provincial government to continue with its efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

"The vast majority of British Columbians are following Dr. Henry's orders of seeing fewer faces in bigger spaces, but we all have to remain committed to flattening the curve," Premier John Horgan said in a news release. "British Columbians have sacrificed a lot to keep transmission rates down, and now unsafe parties and gatherings are eroding that hard work. We're committed to getting our province back on track and will be announcing enforcement action against those who continue to put others at risk."

"We put these orders in place for a reason, and they are not optional," Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, added. "Public health orders must be followed to ensure public safety, and I will be bringing in new measures later this week to address the actions of those who demonstrate their indifference to the health and safety of others."

The longest state of emergency prior to COVID-19 was to deal with forest fires in 2017. That lasted 10 weeks.

The current state of emergency was imposed in mid-March and will stretch to 24 weeks by Sept. 1.

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