The Tri-Cities saw fewer COVID-19 cases detected in a weekly period around this time last year as the season shifted to summer.
It appears the region is on the same trajectory as there was a decrease in infections for the first time in two weeks.
Amid tighter testing restrictions, there were 23 lab-confirmed cases found across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra between June 19 and 25.
That's the latest data available from the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
The last time the Tri-Cities recorded under 25 infections was July 18 to 24, 2021, when only 16 were found.
It also marks a drop of 32 per cent compared the the 34 cases detected in the previous back-to-back counts (June 5-11 and 12-18).
The region's fewest seven-day total on record is 11 COVID-19 cases two weeks prior to that — July 4 and 10, 2021.
The 23 recently detected is the fourth highest in Fraser Health and fifth highest in B.C.
At 62, Surrey's new weekly total was the highest in the province.
Vaccination update
The data was published today amid a small increase in booster jabs across the Tri-Cities.
At 79 per cent, Port Moody is nearing the 80 threshold for three doses among residents aged 50 years and older, the BCCDC says, and, if crossed, would be the first Fraser Health community to do so since the vaccination process began.
As a whole, the Tri-Cities' regional average is also near that age group's plateau at 76 per cent.
It also maintains the same COVID-19 single- (92 per cent), double- (90 per cent) and triple-vaccination rates (59 per cent) for all eligible residents — five years and older.
Meanwhile, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is urging jurisdictions to deploy the latest series of booster shots against COVID-19 in time for fall.
NACI is "strongly" recommending additional shots for Canadians older than 65, residents of long-term care, those older than 12 with medical conditions that put them at "high risk of severe" COVID-19 as well as people from Indigenous communities and racialized communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
All other Canadians between 12 and 64 are being given a discretionary recommendation for the latest series of booster doses.
NACI said Wednesday (June 29) it will be given recommendations at a later date for the specific types of booster vaccines as new COVID-19 vaccine formulations more adept at fighting prevalent strains become available.
Locally, Fraser Health is continuing to host a Coquitlam clinic for any and all eligible Tri-City residents that still want a vaccine against COVID-19.
A multi-vaccination operation is set up in the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) and is accepting bookings for all ages for a variety of vaccines available.
The clinic is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be closed tomorrow (July 1) for Canada Day.
Fraser Health closed its drive-thru clinic at Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station at the end of May in meeting what demand is left for a dose against the virus.
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected from COVID-19 and other diseases can also come to the clinic.
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
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.
- with files from Tyler Orton, Business In Vancouver
