Horgan extends state of emergency as fight against coronavirus continues

Premier John Horgan has extended British Columbia’s state of emergency as he asked residents to continue their efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was made on Tuesday evening to British Columbians in a province-wide TV message.

“There are more challenges ahead,” says Horgan. “That’s why the next 14 days are so important.”

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During the message, he addressed some of the measures that the provincial government was taking to help struggling residents, and said that he was optimistic about BC’s recovery.

“I’m optimistic about our recovery because I’m optimistic about this province,” he said.

Horgan also said that on Wednesday, a new partnership would be launched between the provincial government and BC’s tech sector to create a healthcare supply hub.

Earlier in the day during a press conference with health officials, BC health minister Adrian Dix said there’s a “zero chance” the physical distancing regulations will cease in April, adding that it will likely run through much of the summer.

According to the latest BC COVID-19 update, the total number of cases in the province now sits at 1,013, after 43 cases were recorded on March 31, and a further 70 on March 30.

Broken down by health region, BC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said there are 476 in Vancouver Coastal Health, 348 in Fraser Health, 67 on Vancouver Island, 107 in Interior Health, and 15 in Northern Health.

Of these cases, 128 people are in hospital, with 61 of those in intensive care. In total, 507 people have now fully recovered, as well.