As expected, the B.C. government has once again extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency by another two weeks, marking a year since this declaration was made in response to COVID-19.

First declared on March 18, 2020, the state of emergency will now last through the end of the day on March 30, 2021, though its expected to be extended further.

It allows health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

“British Columbians have been living with the challenges of COVID-19 for more than a year, and while our lives have changed, our resolve has not,” Premier John Horgan said, in a statement. “This is a sobering occasion, but with vaccinations ongoing in B.C., it’s also one for hope and optimism. Let’s continue to follow public health orders and advice to ensure we can be healthy and safe as we look forward to better days ahead.”

This week will also mark one year since Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, declared a public health emergency in response to COVID-19 on March 17, 2020.

“Although this has been a challenging year, the best is still before us. If we continue to focus on keeping ourselves and our communities safe by following the orders and restrictions in place, we will end this state of emergency,” added Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth, in a statement.

“I want to thank the majority of people in B.C. who are following the rules. For those who don’t, our compliance and enforcement officers have the tools they need to enforce the orders. Know that if you break the rules, you will face consequences.”

Data from the province shows between Aug. 21, 2020, and March 12, 2021, there were 1,471 violation tickets that were issued. That includes 221 tickets worth $2,300 to people who organized large events.

Another 39 tickets worth $2,300 were issued to businesses that were not in compliance with the Food and Liquor Serving order, while there were 1,211 tickets worth $230 issued to people who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.

There were also 113 tickets given to people who violated the Federal Quarantine Act, totalling $369,842.