Vaccination rates against COVID-19 are on the rise as B.C. is beginning to lift several restrictions and public health orders.
Eligible Tri-City adults aged 18 years and older are now just short of a 60 per cent triple-vaccination average as of this publication (Feb. 16).
That rate is now tied for the second-highest in all of Fraser Health with New Westminster and Delta behind South Surrey/White Rock (62 per cent) at the top of the board.
Meanwhile, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has revised its data distribution that now combines kids aged five to 11 with the 12-and-up category for first, second and third doses.
For the Tri-Cities, the region sits at a 91 per cent first- and 86 per cent second-dose rates respectively, as well as 52 per cent for boosters — the third highest in Fraser Health.
Additionally, another vaccination milestone was surpassed this week as seniors in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, now reached an 81 per cent booster-dose rate.
The latest surveillance numbers — collected between Feb. 8–14, 2022, by the BCCDC — are as follows. Case rates represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: Eight (-2)
- 33 per cent positivity rate
- 64 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 85 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 77 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: Eight (-4)
- 27 per cent positivity rate
- 61 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 93 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 88 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 81 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: Five (-5)
- 19 per cent positivity rate
- 61 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 85 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 81 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: 10 (-7)
- 24 per cent positivity rate
- 58 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 85 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 80 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: 10 (-5)
- 31 per cent positivity rate
- 69 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 87 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 84 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
ORDERS GETTING LIFTED
And now for some good news!
At 11:59 p.m. tonight (Feb. 16), several public health orders are ending in B.C. as officials are getting ready for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it only applies to those who are vaccinated across the province.
This includes no capacity limits at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, ticketed sporting events, concerts and fitness centres.
Indoor and outdoor organized gatherings such as weddings and funerals can resume with full capacity, while indoor personal gatherings can return to normal.
B.C.'s vaccine card remains in effect for these facilities and events, as well as mandatory masks aside from eating or drinking.
The provincial government said Tuesday (Feb. 15) it will "review" other restrictions, including the vaccine passport, mask order, long-term care and faith restrictions, by March 15 and April 12.
VACCINE CLINICS
There are two clinics in Coquitlam where Tri-City residents can book an appointment to receive a vaccine dose against COVID-19.
The Poirier Forum's large immunization station — at 25,000 sq. ft. of covered outdoor space — is open seven days a week between 10:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m., and this is set to include Family Day Monday (Feb. 21).
As well, the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station's park and ride overflow lot is open for appointment bookings for vaccines as an immunization clinic and testing centre.
However, it's set to be closed on Sunday (Feb. 20).
Its operating hours are as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. = Saturdays and Sundays
- 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
Anyone seeking a vaccine against COVID-19 is 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 on its COVID-19 immunization plan.
- with files from Colin Dacre, Castanet
