COVID-19 infections appear to be continuing a consistent downward trend week after week in the Tri-Cities.
And this is amid tighter testing restrictions for the virus in B.C.
There was a 31 per cent decrease to 114 lab-confirmed local health cases across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra between Feb. 13 and 19 — the latest report published by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
This is compared to 165 detected from Feb. 6 to 12, which represented a 35 per cent decline from the previous count.
It's also the seventh straight double-digit drop in recorded weekly cases since the region hit its last confirmed peak of 2,055 between Dec. 25, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022.
The Tri-Cities are now back to an 11-week low in terms of the BCCDC's Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
The 114 cases are the third-highest in Fraser Health.
It's the ninth highest compared to other B.C. local districts; Central Okanagan (414), Kamloops (256), Surrey (237), Prince George (202), Victoria (143), Abbotsford (138), Nanaimo (137) and Vernon (135).
COVID-19 TRENDS "ENCOURAGING"
The Tri-Cities trend is one of many that B.C. public health officials say are "encouraging" as it could lead towards the possibility of ending more restrictions sooner than later.
As hospitalizations are on the decline, the number of COVID-19 cases are "levelling off" according to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, which means she will review the remaining restrictions in the next few weeks.
Last week, she announced the easing of most of the province's restrictions, except for the mandatory use of masks and vaccine cards in public indoor places.
"Our progress remains on track and we are continuing to see this steady decline and these are positive and encouraging trends," she said.
"We have committed to reviewing things in the next few weeks with the goal of removing additional measures as soon as we possibly can."
Health Minister Adrian Dix also announced on Wednesday (Feb. 23) COVID-19 rapid tests will soon be available free of charge to British Columbians through pharmacies, with those 70 and older being able to access them by Friday (Feb. 25).
B.C. COVID-19 hospitalizations drop in ninth straight data update https://t.co/QLQoT9BQkS pic.twitter.com/NACsrUPaha
— Tri-City News (@TriCityNews) February 24, 2022
VACCINE CLINICS
There are two vaccination clinics against COVID-19 in Coquitlam where residents can book an appointment to receive a dose.
The Poirier Forum is open seven days a week between 10:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. for first and second doses. Those seeking a booster shot must book an appointment in advance.
The Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station's park and ride overflow lot is also open for bookings.
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 Nicholas Johansen, Castanet
