Restrictions are loosening across B.C., bringing some good news to the Tri-Cities and parallels with the region's recent progress in COVID-19 vaccinations.
The region has finally surpassed the 90 per cent average — 90.2 to be exact — among eligible residents 12 years and older who've received at least one dose of a vaccine against the virus, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest surveillance data between Oct. 12 and 18.
Each sub-region is at or above 90 individually, but Port Coquitlam remains on the outside looking in at 89 per cent — a stat that hasn't changed in two weeks.
The city's test positivity rate for COVID-19 is also slightly bumped to three per cent, which is in the same boat at southwest Coquitlam despite its 91 per cent single-vaxxed rate being one of the highest in Fraser Health.
Collectively, the Tri-Cities boasts an 86 per cent double-vaccination average, up by more than half-a-point from last week.
The latest numbers are broken down as follows. "Case rates" represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: Three
- One per cent positivity rate
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 86 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: Seven
- Three per cent positivity rate
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 87 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: Five
- Two per cent positivity rate
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 85 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: Seven
- Three per cent positivity rate
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 85 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: Five
- Two per cent positivity rate
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 87 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
FULL CAPACITY EVENTS
Starting Monday (Oct. 25), provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said B.C. would return to 100 per cent capacity at indoor sporting events, symphony concerts, movie theatres and more.
“We’re hoping to leverage the benefits of the vaccine card and this is an important first step,” she said noting patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry.
“We’ll be monitoring carefully and looking at whether we can take away additional restrictions depending on how things evolve over the next few weeks.”
Restrictions requiring everyone to remain at their own tables at restaurants and pubs are also being lifted “to allow a little bit more freedom of movement [due to] the fact that everybody in those situations will be fully vaccinated,” she added.
Henry was also quick to emphasize that other public health restrictions, such as mask mandates, remain in effect.
Other indoor events, such as weddings, funerals and parties will also be allowed to go back to max capacity.
THIRD DOSES
Meanwhile, immuno-compromised Tri-City residents are being encouraged to get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for better protection, as per Dr. Henry.
These jabs are available at the Coquitlam Central Station Park and Ride overflow lot, where walk-ins remain available for first, second or third doses.
B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal is also sending appointment invitations by phone, text or email to those eligible, and it must be at least four weeks apart from the second dose.
The Central Station site's operating hours are as follows
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. = Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- Entrance off Mariner Way – east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
A full eligibility list for those looking for a third vaccine dose is available on the BCCDC's website.
- with files from Tyler Orton, Business In Vancouver
