A transcript of the premier’s address to the province on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
I want to speak directly to you about the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been nine weeks since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in B.C. Since that first case, we’ve activated B.C.’s pandemic response plan.
We have added critical resources to our health care system, freeing up thousands of acute care beds, increasing support for seniors, snd stepping up protection in long-term care facilities.
We’ve restricted travel and closed our borders. We’ve taken extraordinary measures to keep people safe. But there have been some very tough days.
Families are mourning the deaths of 24 British Columbians.
And many more are in hospital or receiving intensive care.
There are more challenges yet to come. That’s why the next 14 days are so important.
What we do today will affect what our doctors, nurses, and first responders face in the days and weeks ahead.
It will determine how many of us stay healthy, and how much we can do to flatten the curve.
I want to thank all of you who are doing your part by staying at home, and by helping your friends, your neighbours and people in need.
You might not see it from your living room, but everyone in B.C. is pulling together.
There are early signs that our actions are making a difference. But we can’t stop now.
We need everyone to follow the directions of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry:
Stay home as much as you can.
When you’re outside your home, stay two metres away from others. If you need to go to work, practise physical distancing. Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds. And don’t gather in large groups.
We all need to take this very seriously. These are not suggestions. They’re the law.
As Dr. Henry says, we need 100 per cent commitment from everyone to get this done.
That is what I’m asking of you tonight. It’s not going to be easy. But it’s also not forever.
We need people to do their part.
I want to thank every essential worker that’s on shift right now, pitching in to fight COVID-19.
The transit and ferry workers, long haul truckers, dock workers and delivery drivers who keep BC moving.
And everyone working in grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and child-care centres.
Day in and day out, your work secures the essential goods and services British Columbians count on.
I want to speak directly to everyone working in our health-care system.
You are moving heaven and earth to help people who are sick.
We know you’re stressed. We know you’re exhausted. We know you are being pushed to the very limit.
We know you are putting yourself in harm’s way so that others can be safe.
And for that, you have our deepest gratitude.
Tonight, at 7 o’clock, people around B.C. will stand on their balconies and front porches, banging pots and pans to show their support.
It’s a small way of saying we’re in this with you. And B.C. has your back as this pandemic continues.
We have a plan so that if cases surge, our hospitals have capacity and you have support.
We are leaving no stone unturned as we gather the personal protective equipment you need to stay safe.
We’re taking steps to secure supply chains.
But we are not the only people on the planet looking for this equipment.
Tomorrow, we’ll be launching a new partnership between government, business and B.C.’s tech sector.
That will connect B.C. companies to health-care centres in need of supplies.
Like hand sanitizer, made by local distillers. And reusable medical garments designed by outdoor clothing companies.
So that health-care workers can get the supplies they need.
Finally tonight, I want to speak to the people who are feeling unsafe.
Who can’t make rent this month, or pay their mortgage, because of lost jobs and lost wages.
I can’t begin to imagine the stress and anxiety you are feeling. This is a very difficult time.
If you’ve been affected by COVID-19, and are struggling to make ends meet, B.C. is offering you help.
We are freezing rents, halting evictions, and have brought in a new monthly benefit to give you up to $500 to help pay your rent.
We created a B.C. Emergency Benefit, which will give you up to $1,000 in direct financial support, if you’ve lost your income.
Our support is designed to enhance the programs announced by the prime minister.
At times like these, we must put partisanship and regional differences aside.
Governments across Canada are working together to find solutions.
This is a time of unprecedented co-operation. And it is only the beginning.
We’ll be taking further action in the days and weeks ahead.
When the time comes, we’ll be asking all British Columbians to apply their skills to drive B.C.’s recovery.
COVID-19 may be the biggest challenge our province has ever faced.
So tonight, I am extending B.C.’s state of emergency so that we can continue taking measures to keep people safe.
As I watch what is happening around the world right now, it is unsettling and downright scary.
We don’t have all the answers. But what we do have is hope.
Hope that the steps we have taken are working. Hope that together, we can prevent the worst-case scenario. Hope will carry us through this crisis, as a community and as a province.
We may be separated, but we are not alone.
I’m optimistic about our recovery, because I’m optimistic about this province and our future together.
We will get through this, because of the strength of our people and our communities.
We are in this together: People from every corner of the province, in every region. Tonight, I’m asking you to re-commit.
To our health care workers and to each other. Do your part. Stay home. Stay safe.
And we will bend the curve together.
