It's been two months since the Tri-Cities saw a significantly low number of COVID-19 cases following a pair of consistent fluctuations.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says 66 lab-confirmed infections were detected in the region between May 8 and 14.
The total is the latest data available by the provincial organization's Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
It marks a 37 per cent drop compared to the 104 found over the first week of the month (May 1–7), which was a 20 per cent increase from the previous count of 87 between April 24 and 30.
That last time the Tri-Cities recorded a case total under 70 was seven weeks ago.
From March 27 to April 2, the BCCDC confirmed 62 infections across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra — and that, at the time, was an 88 per cent spike.
Each weekly tally for the last several months now is amid tighter testing restrictions implemented by B.C. public health officials in December 2021 in an effort to allow those with serious symptoms, and those who are more vulnerable to the virus to be treated as soon as possible.
There's only one local health area in all of B.C. with a triple-digit count from the latest reporting period.
Surrey found 154 COVID-19 infections last week, more than double the total out of the Tri-Cities.
The local count was the third-highest in all of Fraser Health — Burnaby was second this time with 74 — and the sixth-highest in the province.
Vaccination update
As well, the numbers come after the Tri-Cities returned to the 90 per cent double-vaccination average since kids were added to the overall data six months ago.
On Nov. 29, 2021, parents and guardians with children aged five to 11 were able to begin booking first immunizations.
Eight weeks after, kids were able to receive a second shot.
As of May 8 — the latest up-to-date vaccination data available — 51 per cent of eligible kids between five and 11 years old in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra have received a second dose of vaccine against COVID-19.
That's currently the third-highest rate in all of Fraser Health.
To meet what demand that's left for a COVID-19 vaccine, Fraser Health is continuing to offer vaccination opportunities in Coquitlam.
The mass immunization and testing centre is set up at the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station (2900 Barnet Hwy.) in the park-and-ride overflow lot under the following operating hours:
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 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.
A multi-vaccination clinic is also in place at the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.), giving parents and guardians with kids as young as four months old the chance to receive a number of different vaccinations.
This includes:
- 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
