COVID-19 immunizations are still increasing in the Tri-Cities, but so is the rate of positivity with the Delta variant in play.
According to the latest surveillance data by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), southeast Coquitlam is becoming an area of concern as its rate of new cases per 100,000 people — by local health area and community health service area — has increased by more than 50% to 14.
As a result, its positivity rate for the virus has gone up to 7% — currently the highest among the Tri-Cities.
However, southeast Coquitlam's double-immunization rate also jumped from 77% to 79% in one week, among eligible residents aged 12 years and older who've received two vaccine jabs.
Southwest Coquitlam is the latest to reach the 80% mark for second doses, one week after Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra was the first to cross the threshold.
The new numbers — collected between Aug. 17 and 23 — broken down among the five surveillance neighbourhoods are as follows:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: Six
- 2% positivity rate
- 85% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 79% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: Eight
- 3% positivity rate
- 86% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 80% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: 14
- 7% positivity rate
- 85% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 79% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: Eight
- 4% positivity rate
- 85% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 78% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: Eight
- 4% positivity rate
- 87% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 81% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
B.C. PROVINCIAL UPDATES
The increase of hospitalizations and caseloads of recent weeks prompted provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to reveal B.C. would be implementing vaccine passports next month.
British Columbians will need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sep. 13 to use the B.C. Vaccine Card.
By Oct. 24, users are expected to be fully vaccinated at least seven days after getting their second dose to access businesses and events.
A link will be provided to British Columbians with their proof of vaccination ahead of the Sept. 13 launch of the certificates that people can save onto their phones to show businesses.
Those unable to show proof of vaccination online will be given “a secure alternative option,” according to a government release.
Establishments where proof of vaccination will be required include:
- Indoor ticketed sports events
- Indoor concerts
- Indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
- Restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
- Night clubs
- Casinos
- Movie theatres
- Fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
- Businesses offering high-intensity group exercise activities
- Organized indoor events (weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops)
- Discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
On Tuesday (Aug. 24), another mandatory mask public health order was implemented as of Aug. 25 to help control the transmission of the virus.
The mask mandate was originally lifted on July 1.
Premier John Horgan announced on Monday (Aug. 23) that B.C. would not be moving to Step 4 of its COVID-19 restart plan which was scheduled for Sept. 7, 2021.
POP-UP CLINICS
Today (Aug. 26), the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market is hosting a special-event vaccine clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. with Fraser Health set to administer first and second doses to eligible residents looking to get jabbed.
Additionally, the authority has announced it'll station nurses and healthcare workers at several clinic stations at post-secondary schools across the region, including Douglas College's Coquitlam campus on Sept. 1 and 8.
Students, staff and members of the public seeking a first dose don't need to have a personal health number or be a resident of B.C. as some may be from outside the province for studying.
Fraser Health says those seeking a second dose will need to have received an invitation through B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal or have waited a minimum of 28 days since the first jab, and are encouraged to bring their immunization card.
As well, the ScotFestBC Highland Games will feature a pop-up clinic in Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake Park on Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, you can click on the post below.
- with files from Jess Fedigan, Burnaby Now, and Tyler Orton, Business In Vancouver
