In a press conference today (March 18), provincial public safety minister Mike Farnworth declared a provincial state of emergency.
This declaration is a response to recent reports from BC鈥檚 provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix. Provincial and federal resources will be deployed in what Farnworth calls an 鈥渁ll-hands-on-deck approach.鈥�
The initial state of emergency lasts 14 days and can be extended or rescinded as necessary. BC鈥檚 last state of emergency was declared during the 2017 wildfire season and lasted 10 weeks.
Farnworth also encouraged social distancing whenever possible. 鈥淪tay home if you鈥檙e sick,鈥� he added.
On Monday, provincial legislature will resume鈥攚ith a reduced number of people鈥攖o take legislative action on the state of emergency.
Monday鈥檚 legislature will include 12 members and the speaker, said Farnworth. The quorum of 12 will include two members of the opposition and two members of the Green Party.聽
The members of legislature will discuss the Employment Standards Act in order to protect workers.
Farnworth said the supply chains are working as intended. 鈥淭here is no place for price gouging,鈥� said Farnworth. 鈥淭here is no place for individuals or retailers taking advantage of what is an unprecedented health situation.鈥�
鈥淲e are going to get through this together,鈥� said Farnworth.聽
For more information, visit the provincial government鈥檚 website at https://news.gov.bc.ca/.
Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Richmond Sentinel
