“As we continue to slowly and carefully reopen our economy, British Columbians are starting to see aspects of normal life return. But it's important to remember that we’re not out of the woods yet. There are a lot of people, businesses and communities that continue to need a hand right now, and the extension of this state of emergency helps us do that.”
As part of today's announcement, the Premier also provided some news towards a number of themes, with plans in motion to allow minor sports to return around the province. Towards the return to play Mr. Horgan noting that there is now a provincial order in place that will protect sports and the volunteers and organizations that run them from any litigation that may come as a result of COVID 19.
Mr. Horgan noted that those sports organizations will still will have to follow all of the COVID protocols and other health recommendations, as well as have their Return to Play plans approved by local officials.
As well, the Premier noted that the province is moving towards putting the British Columbia plan to have Vancouver considered a Hub City location, with the plan put forward by the Vancouver Canucks approved by the Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
That plan will allow for a variation of the quarantine requirements, that will put the teams and their families in a bubble of sorts for the full fourteen day period required.
The Premier noted that he was hopeful that the British Columbia proposal will be received well by the Federal government and the NHL and that hockey will hit the ice in Vancouver this summer.
He also outlined the steps now in place to develop a strategy to allow for the reopening of the Film and TV industry in the province, one which will continue to see a 14 day quarantine in place but yet one which will continue to bring work to the sector.
Questions for the Premier expanded on the sports announcements and explored the potential to expand the roll out for tourism in the province, concerns from First nations communities related to that potential return of tourism as well as issues related to the provincial hospitality industry.
Mr. Horgan also responded to a question on the success found from the BC response so far, pointing to the work to the people of British Columbia who have followed the guidance from Dr. Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.
On the reporters call today was CFTK TV's John Crawford who put forward the concerns of sports fishing operators in the Northwest, with the Premier noting that the province continues to discuss the issue with the Federal government and look to resolve some of the challenges ahead in the weeks ahead.
The statement on the State of Emergency can be reviewed here.
You can review the Premier's announcements and responses to follow up questions below:
More notes related to the Province's COVID response programs can be reviewed here.
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