British Columbia has entered its longest period in a state of emergency in its history. Premier John Horgan says the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the province’s social and economic foundations but people in B.C. are perservering in what will likely be an extended emergency period. B.C. first declared a public state of emergency on March 18 and today’s extension will run until June 9, weeks longer than the emergency declaration during the devastating 2017 fire season. In a wide-ranging news conference, the premier also says he is pleased Vancouver remains in the running as a potential hub city to complete the National Hockey League season, but stresses the province is not prepared to bend rules on the 14-day self-isolation required for players and team officials. B.C. reported nine new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,550. The province also reported one more person has died, bringing the death toll to 162 people, while 2,144 people who tested positive have recovered.
