Province extends state of emergency to support COVID-19 response

• amending the Employment Standards Act to protect jobs for those unable to work for reasons relating to COVID-19 • launching a process to match essential service workers with child care in their communities and supporting child care providers with temporary emergency funding • bolstering seniors’ supports at community service agencies with $50 million and expanding bc211, a provincewide information and referral service to match seniors whose support network has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with volunteers

• supporting families who rely on food banks with a $3-million emergency grant to Food Banks British Columbia

• providing people and organizations in the arts sector with a $3-million Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement to be administered by the BC Arts Council

“Our government is continuing to take all actions necessary to keep our communities safe, goods moving, and essential service workers supported,” Farnworth said. “This is an unprecedented time in our province. We’re working hard to alleviate the pressures that we’re all facing, and we will get through this together.” The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’S health and emergency management officials. Farnworth made the original declaration on March 18 after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency. The Province has created 1 888 COVID-19 to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and physical distancing, as well as access to support and resources from the provincial and federal governments. The call line is available seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., in 110 languages. People with questions related to their health and COVID-19 should call 811.