B.C. defines essential services in fight against COVID-19

CBC News·Posted: Mar 26, 2020 12:06 PM PT | Last Updated: March 26

Non-essential services allowed to remain open as long as they can comply with health orders.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth released a list of essential services Thursday as he vowed to use his emergency powers to keep "communities safe, goods moving and essential service workers supported" as the province attempts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As a result of last week's declaration of a provincial state of emergency, Farnworth has the ability to ensure the supply and movement of necessary goods and services, protect consumers, maintain minimum levels of transportation for those who need it most, co-ordinate the efforts of communities and enforce closures of businesses.

To that end, the province has given bylaw enforcement officers across the province the power to enforce orders of the provincial health officer.

"[These] measures will make sure communities are taking necessary steps, in co-ordination with the province, to get ready should more action be required to combat COVID-19," Farnworth said in a statement.

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