For the first time since the final week of 2021, there was an uptick in weekly recorded COVID-19 cases across the Tri-Cities.
Albeit, a minor one.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reported 49 lab-confirmed infections between March 13 and 19 — the latest data available for the organization's Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence.
This counts for an 11 per cent increase in cases found across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, amid tighter testing restrictions by B.C. public health officials.
There were 44 COVID-19 infections recorded from March 6 to 12, which was a 21 per cent decrease from the previous count of 56 between Feb. 27 and March 5.
The new data is the first upward trend in cases since weekly counts peaked at 2,055 in the Tri-Cities between Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1).
It was also collected during the first week after B.C. ended its province-wide mask mandate for public places on March 11.
However, masks will still be required in healthcare settings, physicians’ offices and patient contact areas.
B.C.'s vaccine card is set to end at 12:01 a.m. on April 8 for indoor ticketed events and gatherings.
The new case numbers for the Tri-Cities also come a day after the province extended the age restriction for residents to get free rapid antigen test kits at B.C. pharmacies.
It now includes those aged 18 years and older.
As of Wednesday (March 23), eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.
To pick up a kit, they must present their personal health number. If someone is picking up a kit on their behalf, they must supply the name, personal health number, and date of birth.
Test kits should not be picked up when you have symptoms of COVID-19; they should be picked up to use at a future time when you show symptoms of the virus.
VACCINATION UPDATE
Port Moody is leading all Fraser Health communities as it appears more residents of eligible ages are choosing to get a booster dose against COVID-19.
The BCCDC is reporting nearly 50 per cent of school-aged children between 12 and 17 years old in the city have been immunized with a third shot, which is higher than the Tri-Cities' combined average of 41 per cent.
Kids in the region aged five to 11 sit at a 42 per cent average for second doses against COVID-19, with Port Moody individually posting a 51 per cent rate for the category.
Combined, the Tri-Cities hold 92 and 89 per cent single- and double-vaccination rates against the virus for those five years and older eligible to get immunized.
Those interested in getting vaccinated can do so at two Tri-City locations.
The Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station's park-and-ride overflow lot has reduced it's operating hours as an immunization and testing centre:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 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
Since March 14, the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) officially began its services as a children's multi-vaccination clinic.
Parents looking to get their kids immunized as young as four months old can visit the site to receive one of several vaccines, including:
- 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
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 files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
