Almost 30, but still below 30.
The Tri-Cities' local health area saw an increase in weekly-detected COVID-19 cases, according to new data published today (Sept. 1) by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
There were 27 lab-confirmed infections found — amid tighter testing restrictions — across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra between Aug. 21 and 27.
This marks a 29 per cent uptick compared to the previous count of 21 between Aug. 14 and 20, which remains the fewest number of cases recorded over a seven-day reporting period in all of 2022.
Case statistics are collected on a weekly basis by public health officials and published in the BCCDC's newest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data.
In the new chart, the Tri-Cities' 27 infections are the fifth highest detected across B.C. and are tied with East Vancouver.
Surrey still has the most (48) followed by followed by Central Okanagan (36), Victoria (28) and Chilliwack (28).
Omicron-targeted vaccines
In addition to the new numbers, B.C. is also set to distribute Moderna's Omicron-targeting COVID-19 vaccine to residents 18 years and older as soon as doses are available.
Today, Health Canada authorized officials to use the country's first variant-targeting COVID-19 booster shot, one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did the same thing.
"We are ready to deliver it to people in B.C. as soon as we get it," B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in a joint statement, noting Sept. 6 is when more information will shared on a distribution plan.
"We expect the vaccines to come over several weeks and most people should be able to get one in September or October."
Dix and Henry said Moderna is providing 12 million doses to Canada, and that the province is working with Ottawa to ensure a stable supply for British Columbians.
The vaccine is described as being "biovalent," which means that it targets two different antigens, or strains of disease.
"These booster vaccines cover the original and the Omicron variants, so are better adapted and more effective at protecting people against the Omicron variant, which is the most common right now in our province," they said.
Moderna had been seeking Health Canada approval since June 30.
Tri-Cities kids' clinic
Vaccinations against the virus across the Tri-Cities maintain 92, 90 and 60 per cent single-, double- and triple-dose average rates for eligible residents five years and older.
Meanwhile, regional parents with kids between six months and four years old have been welcomed to book appointments to receive the first of two modified doses of Moderna's mRNA vaccine in Port Moody.
Fraser Health nurses and staff are set up inside the Newport Public Health Unit across from city hall (200-205 Newport Dr.) during the following operating hours:
- 9 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. (weekdays)
- 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. (weekends)
Standalone clinics are also offering the pediatric vaccine.
Parents and guardians can register their kids online via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal; an invitation to book an appointment will then be sent via text, email or phone call.
You can also visit the province's website for more information or call 1-833-838-2323.
Multi-vaccination clinic
Fraser Health also has a general clinic at Coquitlam's Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) for those interested in getting a first, second or third dose against COVID-19.
The clinic is open seven days a week from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Other vaccines offered at the clinic 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
- with files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver
