B.C. Premier John Horgan says the province will announce a new initiative today that will see businesses partner with the health-care sector to provide medical supplies to front-line workers.

“We are leaving no stone unturned as we gather the personal protective equipment you need to stay safe,” Horgan added. “We’re taking steps to secure supply chains.”

The new program will connect B.C. companies to health-care centres in need of supplies including hand sanitizer made by local distillers and reusable medical garments designed by outdoor clothing companies.

Speaking in an address to British Columbians on Tuesday evening, Horgan also announced the State of Emergency will continue for the foreseeable future.

“COVID 19 may be the biggest challenge our province has ever faced,” he said, while encouraging British Columbians to stay the course. “So, I’m extending B.C.’s State of Emergency so we can continue taking measures to keep people safe.”

Horgan’s address to the province came nine weeks after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in B.C., and on the same day that the number of cases surpassed 1,000 overall. He says now is not the time to let up on measures like social distancing, self-isolation aimed at trying to curtail the virus.

“I watched what’s happening around the world right now. It is unsettling and downright scary,” he added. “We don’t have all the answers but we do have hope. Hope that the steps we have taken are working. Hope that together we can prevent the worst case scenario.”

Horgan says the province will get through these tough times because of the strength of people and communities.

“We’re in this together. People from every corner of the province in every region,” Horgan added. “I am asking you to recommit. Recommit to our healthcare workers and to each other. Do your part. Stay home. Stay safe, and we’ll bend this curve together.”

“The next 14 days are critically important in our province’s unprecedented fight against COVID-19.”