Image Credit: Global BC

By Richard Zussman / Global News

COVID-19

B.C. declares state of emergency in response to coronavirus pandemic

Mar 18, 2020 | 12:41 PM

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government has declared a provincial state of emergency amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to ensure our government is doing everything possible to address this crisis,” said Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth in announcing the step on Wednesday.

“These are extraordinary times.”

The declaration allows the government to implement a provincial emergency plan or any provincial emergency measures.

It also authorizes local authorities to implement their own emergency measures.

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Under a state of emergency, the province can acquire or use any land or personal property considered necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects the pandemic.

The province also now has the power to control or prohibit travel to or from any area of B.C., and to procure, fix prices for or ration food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies or other essential supplies.