Public safety minister Mike Farnworth announcing B.C. is now in a state of emergency

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Response to COVID-19 escalates to provincial state of emergency in B.C.

Mar 18, 2020 | 12:34 PM

NANAIMO — The ongoing announcements of emergencies in B.C. related to the COVID-19 crisis has taken another step.

Public safety minister Mike Farnworth announced on Wednesday B.C. is now in a provincial state of emergency.

Farnworth said this is an “all hands on deck” approach. Specifically, it gives the province more power to ensure supply chains and critical items needed to combat COVID-19 are available.

“Our government will do whatever is necessary to protect and support British Columbians and communities. We will use all resources available to keep people safe.”

Some of the measures included in a provincial state of emergency including setting prices for essential services to prevent price gouging.

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B.C.’s legislature is expected to resume in a safe fashion on Monday, March 23 to pass legislation about employment supports as many shops and restaurants close.

Farnworth’s announcement builds off the public health emergency declared by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Tuesday, March 17 and increasing calls for self-quarantines and the importance of self-isolation.

As of end of day Tuesday, there are 186 confirmed cases of the respiratory virus in the province.

An update on COVID-19 cases in B.C. is expected this afternoon.

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