On March 26, BC minister of public safety and solicitor general Mike Farnworth announced ministerial order M084, called the local authorities and essential goods and supplies COVID-19 order.
According to a media release from qathet Regional District, the order may affect businesses in the region.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Farnworth now has the power to ask all businesses to report inventories of essential goods and supplies and any other supplies required. The minister can now control the sale of goods he chooses and has outlawed secondary selling of essential emergency items, according to the release.
Farnworth may also ensure measures are taken for effective delivery of essential goods and supplies, including food, fuel, medicine and other goods and supplies he may prioritize, the release stated. Additionally, the province may order hotel and lodge operators to make room for essential workers or to enable large groups of people to self-isolate in their establishments.
The regional emergency operations centre (EOC) is currently identifying public and private buildings and facilities that could be used for medical care and testing, self-isolation centres, and locations for essential supplies storage by Vancouver Coastal Health and Powell River General Hospital, if necessary, according to the release.
Additional information regarding ministerial order M084 can be sourced at bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/2020_m084.
Regional district manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms stated that the EOC thanks businesses in advance for understanding and cooperation as the community works together to limit the spread of COVID-19.
