Data remains went unchanged for the Tri-Cities in terms of weekly recorded COVID-19 cases.
But another update shows that the region has recorded the third-most infections in B.C. since the pandemic began.
A total of 17,261 lab-confirmed infections were detected between January 2020 and May 2022 across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
This is part of the latest stats made available by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
As of May 31, the Tri-Cities has recorded 5,142 cases in 2022 — there were 12,119 between January 2020 and December 2021.
Only two other local health areas have a higher count than the Tri-Cities.
Surrey has recorded the most cumulative cases of the virus since the start of 2020 with 57,416, followed by the Central Okanagan with 20,515.
Currently, Victoria is the apparent hot-spot for COVID-19 in B.C. after testing and confirming 113 reported cases between July 10 and 16.
The Tri-Cities recorded 46 in that span for a second consecutive week, per the BCCDC's latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
Province-wide, the number of serious COVID-19 infections and deaths has declined slightly from a week ago.
Of the 406 patients in B.C. hospitals linked to the virus, 30 are in intensive care units (ICUs) — that compares with 426 of those patients in hospitals, including 34 in ICUs one week ago.
Another 21 people are listed as having died while infected with COVID-19 in B.C. in the week up to July 16, a decline of one person from the total of 22 such deaths listed in the week that ended July 9.
The death total includes anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 within 30 days and then died. That calculation may include people who tested positive and then died in car accidents.
Government data shows that 3,855 people have now died while infected with COVID-19 in B.C. That is up by 32 from one week ago despite only 21 new deaths being recorded.
Vaccination update
Meanwhile, the Tri-Cities reached another milestone this week on the vaccination front against COVID-19.
The region is now at a 60 per cent booster-dose rate among eligible residents aged five years and older, which is now the third-highest average in Fraser Health and 15th in all of B.C.
The bump comes as more seniors over 70 and middle-aged people between 18 and 49 chose to receive their third shot against the virus.
Single- (92) and double-vaccination statuses (90) remain the same among eligible Tri-Cities residents as well.
But those numbers could go up in the months ahead as it appears vaccines for children aged six months to four years might soon receive their first inoculations against COVID-19.
Parents will be able to start booking their kids an appointment at a vaccine clinic on Aug. 2 following Health Canada's approval of Moderna's COVID-19 shot for kids.
Fraser Health has changed the hours of its multi-vaccination clinic in Coquitlam.
The authority's website states the station inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) is now operating from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. — which is also two hours shorter than its original 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule.
The clinic appears to still be open seven days a week for anyone seeking a first, second and third vaccine dose against COVID-19, as well as other diseases.
Some of the vaccines offered include:
- 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
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic. Booking an appointment in advance is preferred, says Fraser Health.
Before receiving a dose against COVID-19, Tri-City residents are 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.
- with files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver
