This time last year, the Tri-Cities recorded its fewest known COVID-19 cases in a single week.
That was 11 reported and lab-confirmed infections between July 4 and 10, 2021.
But now, new data suggests there are more than quadruple the number of cases for the virus compared to 12 months ago in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
There were 46 COVID-19 cases reported in the Tri-Cities between July 3 and 9, 2022, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
The number was published on Thursday (July 14) in the BCCDC's latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report, and amid tighter testing restrictions by public health officials.
That's also a two per cent increase compared to the 45 detected in the previous count (June 26 to July 2).
And that was a 32 per cent uptick from the 23 recorded a week earlier (June 19 to 25).
The 46 cases found was the fourth-highest in all of B.C., third in Fraser Health behind neighbours Surrey (95) and Burnaby (62).
Vaccination update
As well, it appears vaccines for children aged six months to four years might soon receive their first inoculations against COVID-19.
Vaccine clinics are set to open next month across B.C. after Health Canada's approval of Moderna's COVID-19 shot for kids.
Health Minister Adrian Dix is encouraging parents to register their children so they are invited to book an appointment beginning on Aug. 2.
There are about 208,000 eligible babies and children in B.C. in that age category.
Acting provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie says they know the vaccines are safe and have helped the province weather the pandemic.
While most children who are infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, he says others can get very sick.
The latest COVID-19 figures ending Thursday show there are 426 people in hospital with 34 in critical care, and there were 22 deaths in the week ending July 9.
In the Tri-Cities, vaccination statuses remain unchanged among eligible residents aged five years and older.
This includes single- (92), double- (90) and triple-vaccination rates (59).
Fraser Health continues to host a multi-vaccination in Coquitlam, if you're still looking for a dose against COVID-19.
The clinic set up inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) for bookings between its operating hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It's delivering vaccinations against the virus, first, second and third doses, as well as other diseases.
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic.
Some of the vaccines offered include:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- For eligible children and adolescents aged five and older
- Tdap-IPV vaccine
- Protects against tetanus diphtheria, whooping cough and polio
- MMRV vaccine
- Protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
Before receiving a dose against COVID-19, Tri-City residents are encouraged to register via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal or call 1-833-838-2323.
You can also visit the province's website for more information.
- with files from The Canadian Press
