British Columbia, Canada – After more than a year of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the province of British Columbia has officially declared an end to the state of emergency. However, despite this change, the crisis caused by the virus continues to persist.
On Tuesday, Premier John Horgan announced that the state of emergency, which was first declared on March 18, 2020, would not be extended beyond its current end date of June 30. This decision was made based on the province’s successful vaccination efforts and declining case numbers.
While this may come as a relief to many, it is important to note that the pandemic is far from over. The province’s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry, emphasized that the virus is still a serious threat and urged people to continue following public health guidelines.
As of June 29, there were 87 new cases of COVID-19 reported in British Columbia, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,336. While this is a significant decrease from the peak of the third wave in April, it is still a cause for concern.
Furthermore, the province has seen a rise in the Delta variant, which is known to be more transmissible and potentially more severe. This variant now accounts for approximately 25% of new cases in British Columbia.
In addition, there are still many unknowns about the long-term effects of the virus, including the potential for long COVID, which can cause ongoing symptoms and health issues for those who have recovered from the virus.
Despite the end of the state of emergency, the province will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes maintaining a high vaccination rate and implementing targeted restrictions if needed.
In conclusion, while the end of the state of emergency is a positive step, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 crisis is not over. It is crucial for everyone to continue following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
