Heading in the right direction, but still proceeding with caution.
For the fourth straight week since its peak, local COVID-19 cases in the Tri-Cities have dropped by a significant margin and nearing a range the region has not seen since before the holidays.
New publicly released data shows 313 infections were found between Jan. 23 and 29, marking a 42 per cent drop from 536 detected during the previous week (Jan. 16–22).
The count was completed and published by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) for the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence.
It's also the second largest dip in local cases since the Tri-Cities tallied its highest amount in a single week (2,055) over the course of the pandemic between Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1) because, in part, of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
To date, the biggest drop was 65 per cent from Jan. 9 to 15 when the number dropped from 1,843 to 643.
The 313 by the Tri-Cities was the fourth highest total recorded within Fraser Health.
At 1,018, Surrey is the only B.C. region above four digits, followed by Central Okanagan (806) and Prince George (546).
If the trend continues its downward trajectory across nearly every corner of the province, Dr. Bonnie Henry says some health orders could likely be eased by Family Day (Feb. 21).
Last Friday (Jan. 28), she explained while she is hopeful some restrictions will be lifted soon, she told reporters officials must continue to exercise caution.
Current restrictions on gatherings and events are in place until Feb. 16. Health officials are set to reevaluate the COVID-19 situation on Feb. 15.
"I do hope that we will be able to lift some of those restrictions and gradually get to those needed connections that we have," said B.C. provincial health officer, adding that most of the restrictions involve social gatherings.
But Dr. Henry also noted the province won't "open things up completely" as that could result in a dramatic spike in cases.
Instead, it will work with different sectors for a gradual reopening.
The latest orders, since Dec. 21, limit indoor gatherings to one household plus 10 other individuals or one other household, while also prohibiting indoor organized gatherings and bars and nightclubs are temporarily closed.
Restaurants, pubs and cafes are permitted to stay open but only a maximum of six guests may be seated per table (plus physical distancing or barriers).
VACCINE CLINICS
Meanwhile, the BCCDC is reporting a 47 per cent triple-vaccination rate among eligible residents aged 12 years and older, 67 per cent for 50 years and older and 79 per cent for seniors above 70.
The Tri-Cities maintains 93 per cent first- and 91 per cent second-dose vaccination averages against COVID-19.
Regional residents looking to get inoculated — firsts, seconds or boosters — can now can book an appointment at one of two clinics based in Coquitlam.
The Poirier Forum reopened as a large immunization station on Jan. 25 in allowing hundreds of potential eligible individuals to get jabbed, thanks to its 25,000 sq-ft. space available.
Fraser Health's calendar shows the covered outdoor facility is open seven days a week with bookings between 10:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m.
The clinic at the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station's park and ride overflow lot is also open for appointments.
Its location, operating hours and entry instructions 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 a file from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
