More confirmed COVID-19 infections are popping up the Tri-Cities.
While the region may not be considered a "hot spot" for the virus, it could soon become one as it recorded the second-highest weekly case count across the Fraser Health authority.
Between Aug. 22 and 28, the Tri-Cities tallied 187 cases in the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data.
This represents an increase of just under 25% compared to the 150 cases recorded between Aug. 15 and 21 across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, which was a 75% surge itself from the week prior.
It's the second week in a row the Tri-Cities posted a triple-digit local health-area case count.
It's also the first time in more than four months the region has recorded as many infections in a single week since 167 were found between May 2 and 8.
Surrey continues to be the main area of concern for Fraser Health as 300 cases were confirmed within its vicinity (Aug. 22-28).
Behind the Tri-Cities is Langley with 126 and Burnaby with 115, which is a 28% week-over-week decrease for the neighbouring local health area.
The Tri-Cities currently has a collective 80% double-vaccination average among eligible residents aged 12 and older.
As of today (Sept. 3), Fraser Health has 1,616 active COVID-19 cases, which includes 36 people in critical care or ICU among 84 total hospitalizations.
VACCINATION CLINICS
Today (Sept. 3) is the last day jabs will be administered at the mass COVID-19 immunization clinic at the Poirier Forum. It's been operating for more than five months.
Eligible residents can go to the walk-in Coquitlam facility as supplies and capacity allow to get a first or second vaccine dose up until 8:30 p.m.
However, there are two special-event clinics scheduled to take place in the next five days, including a station at ScotFestBC: The British Columbia Highland Games tomorrow (Sept. 4) at Lafarge Lake Park.
No appointment or personal health number is required. But if you're planning to be inoculated a second time, you're strongly encouraged to bring your vaccination card.
Vaccines will be administered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as capacity and supplies allow.
Meanwhile, Douglas College's Coquitlam campus will host a walk-in clinic on Wednesday (Sept. 8) — it's second in one week as part of Fraser Health's post-secondary initiative. It's open for students, staff and the general public.
It'll take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room B3051, also as supplies and capacity allow.
For those seeking a first dose, you don't need to have a personal health number or be a resident of B.C. as some students may be from outside the province.
For those seeking a second dose, you'll 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.
You can visit Fraser Health's website for more information.
