COVID-19 remains in play and is causing serious illness in vulnerable people across the Tri-Cities.
However, a new statistic is showing some promise thanks to the region's slow but steady uptick in vaccinations against the virus.
For the first time in three months, the Tri-Cities has dropped to double-digit COVID-19 cases after recording 98 between Oct. 24 and 30.
This represents a 16 per cent decrease from the previous count of 116 (Oct. 17-23) leading into the final week of October, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data.
The result is likely due to the current 88 per cent and rising double-vaccination rate across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, leading to better protection against the virus among eligible residents aged 12 years and older.
It's also two-and-a-half clicks above the provincial average of 85.5 per cent.
The region has also surpassed a significant milestone to a 91 per cent single-vaccination rate against COVID-19; B.C. sits at 90.1 per cent.
The last time the Tri-Cities recorded a significant drop in local cases was the week of Sept. 12, when there was a 33 per cent decline from 165 to 111.
The last double-digit week was between Aug. 8 and 14 when 86 were detected.
Surrey (332) is no longer the hot spot of B.C. as Abbotsford recorded 385 infections last week.
The Tri-Cities has the sixth-highest count among its Fraser Health neighbours, also doing better than Chilliwack (202), Langley (173) and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows (165).
With six new daily deaths revealed yesterday (Nov. 3), there have now been 2,192 people known to have lost their lives to COVID-19 in B.C. This includes 1,042 in Fraser Health's vicinity.
VACCINE CLINICS
Tri-City residents still looking for a vaccine against COVID-19 — a third dose if they're immuno-compromised — can walk into an upcoming pop-up clinic this weekend to receive a jab.
Fraser Health is set up inside the Poirier Administration Building on Sunday (Nov. 7) from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
With no appointment needed, the Coquitlam facility — located at 640 Poirier St. — is welcoming eligible people aged 12 years and older as capacity and supplies allow.
If it's your first, you will need your personal health number.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first jab, you will need your personal health number and immunization record card.
Fraser Health says, at all clinics, the type of vaccine available is "determined by daily supply."
For those seeking a third dose, B.C. is currently recommending one for those who are immuno-compromised at this time.
A full eligibility list is available on the BCCDC's website.
If you're listed as immuno-compromised, you will have received an invitation to receive a third jab against COVID-19 from B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal.
The mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot is also accepting walk-ins for first, second or third doses.
It's operating schedule is as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. = Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- 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
