The Tri-Cities has returned to a plateau it has not seen in two months for detecting weekly local cases of COVID-19.
There were 62 lab-confirmed infections found between July 17 and 23, according to new data by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
It's a 35 per cent weekly increase after 46 were recorded in the last two reports for the region, which encompasses Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
And it's the second-highest case count of any other health catchment across the province behind its current "hot spot" in Surrey (82).
The new stats were published today (July 28) in the BCCDC's latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
This marks the first time since mid-May the Tri-Cities has recorded a similar count. The region tested positive for 65 cases between May 15 and 21.
The 62 is also the fourth consecutive weekly increase in cases since the region hit its 2022 low point of 23 infections between June 19 and 25.
Vaccination update
Meanwhile, the Tri-Cities reached yet another milestone in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Eligible Port Moody kids aged five to 11 surpassed the 60 per cent double-dose average rate on Wednesday (July 27) as many more elected to get another shot against the virus.
The city, combined with Anmore and Belcarra, leads all of Fraser Health in that category; Coquitlam sits at 54 per cent and Port Coquitlam at 50 per cent.
The update also marks a 15 per cent increase over the last three months as demand for the vaccine began to dwindle
B.C. is planning to expand the eligibility beyond its current availability for seniors over 70, Indigenous people 55 and older, and those living in residential care homes, as well as the extremely and clinically vulnerable.
A timeline for shot is expected to take place between September and December when there's a greater risk of seasonal spread.
The Tri-Cities maintains 60, 90 and 92 per cent rates for booster-, double- and single-vaccination rates, as of this publication.
If you're looking to get inoculated with a vaccine dose against COVID-19, Fraser Health is continuing to operate out of the Poirier Admin Building in Coquitlam (640 Poirier St.).
The authority says the multi-vaccination clinic is available for bookings between 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
However, the clinic will be closed on Monday (Aug. 1) for the B.C. Day statutory holiday.
Vaccines offered for interested Tri-Cities residents 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
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic. Booking an appointment in advance is preferred, says Fraser Health.
Before receiving a dose against COVID-19, Tri-City residents are 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.
