Paralleling the modestly rising Tri-City vaccination rates against COVID-19, so are weekly local health cases.
But again, it's another small but significant bump in the region's current state of the pandemic.
There were 116 confirmed COVID-19 cases found in the Tri-Cities between Oct. 17 and 23, which accounts for Coquitlam Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
It's from the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data, collected and published by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
The new number represents a two per cent increase from the previous count of 114 between Oct. 10 and 16.
It's also the first increase in local health cases in one month when the Tri-Cities jumped by seven per cent (130 to 139) between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2.
The new information comes on the heels of a one per cent increase in single- and double-vaccination rates in the region.
That's 91 and 87 per cent respectively — both above the provincial averages — but it's also double the half-a-per-cent increases in both categories from each of the last two weeks.
This we during the week leading up to Oct. 24, when eligible residents 12 years and older need to be fully vaccinated against the virus to access "discretionary" events and businesses in the province, such as movie theatres, casinos, concerts, indoor sports games, restaurants with a table and/or liquor license and others.
As of Monday (Oct. 25), full capacity crowds have been allowed in communities where vaccination rates are high like the Tri-Cities.
The region currently has the fifth highest double-vaccination rate in Fraser Health and tied for the 17th highest in all of B.C.
VACCINE CLINICS
Coquitlam's Poirier Administration Building is set to host two more pop-up clinics next week in offering Tri-City residents vaccinations against COVID-19.
On Nov. 3 and Nov. 7, Fraser Health healthcare workers and nurses are set to inoculate first, second and third doses as capacity and supplies allow to eligible residents aged 12 years and older.
Each clinic will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Those seeking a first or second doses can walk into the admin building (640 Poirier St.) and receive a vaccine with no appointment needed.
You're encouraged to bring your personal health number and, if it's your second dose, your COVID-19 immunization record card.
Meanwhile, third doses are only recommended for immuno-compromised people, and a full eligibility list is available on the BCCDC's website.
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 during the following hours:
- 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
