Despite a steady rise in vaccinations, it appears the Tri-Cities is enduring a spike in COVID-19 transmissible capability.
According to the latest surveillance data by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), every regional neighbourhood saw a case-rate increase of at least five times its previous weekly recording.
The new data account was compiled between Dec. 7 and 13. Case rates represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area.
The biggest jump was in Port Coquitlam from two to an average of 23 infections per 100,000 people.
As of this publication (Dec. 15), the Tri-Cities currently holds a 90.2 per cent double-vaccination average against COVID-19 among those aged 12 years and older — the region officially surpassed that plateau last Wednesday (Dec. 8).
It also has a 92 per cent single-dose rate in the same age group.
Five- to 11-year-old kids across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra are still in the early stages of receiving their first vaccine dose, currently holding a 24.6 per cent average.
That's a 16 per cent uptick compared to 8.6 from last week and the third-highest in Fraser Health.
When it comes to booster jabs, 11 per cent of eligible Tri-City residents have been given a third dose, primarily for those 70 years and older and immuno-compromised.
The latest BCCDC surveillance numbers are as follows:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: 11 (+9)
- Two per cent positivity rate (-)
- 22 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 56 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: 20 (+16)
- Three per cent positivity rate (-1)
- 22 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 94 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 65 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: Eight (+6)
- Two per cent positivity rate (+1)
- 23 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 65 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: 23 (+21)
- Three per cent positivity rate (+2)
- 22 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 63 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: 18 (+15)
- Three per cent positivity rate (+1)
- 34 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 68 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
MORE VACCINE CLINICS AMID OMICRON
There are three pop-up vaccination clinics in a four-day span on Fraser Health's schedule starting later this week.
At Douglas College's Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way), nurses and health care workers are set to inoculate more community members against COVID-19 on Friday (Dec. 17), Saturday (Dec. 18) and Monday (Dec. 20).
With the threat of the new Omicron variant in B.C. — 44 confirmed cases according to data from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), 24 of which are in Fraser Health — provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says health officials are actively monitoring the situation locally.
"That is another reason why more than ever if you had a previous infection, you still need to be vaccinated," Henry stated, noting the age range of those infected with the variant is "relatively young."
"Vaccination protects against this reinfection that we're seeing more commonly with Omicron."
Each clinic at Douglas College will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Tim Hortons seating area.
Enter campus from Pinetree Way via the entrance marked with a 'Community Centre/Douglas College' sign. Park in the community centre parking lot on your right - it is pay parking. Cross the street to Douglas College and enter the building.
if it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
Kids aged five to 11 are also welcome to the clinics. However, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to book an appointment in advance.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first jab, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
More information is available on Fraser Health's website.
Eligible residents can also visit the mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot, where first, second and third doses are being offered.
Third jabs are only recommended at this time for eligible residents 70 years and older, as well as those classified as immuno-compromised.
The station's operating hours 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, 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
