The Omicron variant of COVID-19 appears to be transmitting at a steady pace across the Tri-Cities.
However, at the same time, vaccinations against the virus are slowly on the upswing as well across all age groups — most notably among eligible young children.
The latest data provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) shows a double-digit case rate increase in four of the Tri-Cities' five surveillance regions.
The new report was compiled between Dec. 16 and 22. Case rates represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area.
North Coquitlam and Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra each recorded the biggest spikes of 14 infections per 100,000 people to 26 and 34 respectively.
As of this publication (Dec. 29), the BCCDC says almost an average of 39 per cent of kids aged five to 11 have received their first dose of vaccine against COVID-19, which marks a four per cent increase compared to the previous count.
Broken down individually, 50 per cent of kids in Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra have been inoculated at least once.
Eligible Tri-City residents aged 12 years and older account for a 90.6 per cent double-vaccination average against COVID-19 — 92.6 per cent for first doses in the same age group.
The latest surveillance numbers are as follows:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: 26 (+14)
- Nine per cent positivity rate (+4)
- 38 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 64 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: 21 (+11)
- Eight per cent positivity rate (+3)
- 35 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 94 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 70 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: 18 (+4)
- Eight per cent positivity rate (+2)
- 36 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 69 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: 19 (+10)
- Eight per cent positivity rate (+4)
- 35 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 69 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: 34 (+14)
- Nine per cent positivity rate (+3)
- 50 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 93 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 74 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
VACCINE CLINICS
The only vaccine clinic currently on tap in the Tri-Cities is the mass COVID-19 testing and immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station's Park and Ride overflow lot.
However, Fraser Health shortened its operating hours today due to the colder temperatures impacting healthcare workers administering vaccines.
Appointments before 4 p.m. have not changed, the authority states, but those after the hour can come earlier.
Residents who've booked shots this afternoon and evening are being asked to either rebook their appointment or go to the Surrey North indoor clinic on King George Boulevard.
Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley (KPU) and Surrey 66 COVID-19 Testing and Immunization Centres have reduced services today due to hazardous weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/EnSMAiStyq
— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) December 29, 2021
Environment Canada has since lifted its arctic outflow warning for the Tri-Cities, so Coquitlam's clinic is currently scheduled to be open until 8 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 30) before closing on New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2022).
If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first jab, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
More information is available on Fraser Health's website.
Third jabs are only recommended at this time for eligible residents 63 years and older, as well as those classified as immuno-compromised.
The station's normal operating hours and entry instructions 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
