Tri-Cities trending back to summer's numbers with latest drop in COVID-19 local cases

Local COVID-19 cases detected in the Tri-Cities have dropped for a second consecutive week — the first back-to-back drop since early August.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) found 87 local-area infections for the virus, which marks an 11 per cent week-to-week decrease.

The number was collected between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6 in the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data for the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.

The previous count was 98 between Oct. 24 and 30.

The Delta variant continues to be the root of newly-detected local health cases in the region, but vaccinations are also contributing to the downward trend.

According to surveillance data, the Tri-Cities' up-to-date combined vaccination status is 90.8 per cent for single doses among eligible residents aged 12 years and older, as well as 88 per cent for double doses.

Both are comfortably above B.C.'s rates of 90.5 and 86.4 per cent respectively.

The good news: There were no regions in the province with more than 250 COVID-19 local-area cases found between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6.

In fact, Surrey (249) and Abbotsford (239) were the only two with an above-200 count.

Once again, the Tri-Cities had the sixth-highest count among its Fraser Health neighbours, better than Chilliwack (158), Langley (147) and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows (136).

VACCINE CLINICS

Coquitlam's Poirier Administration Building (640 Poirier St.) is set to host a seventh pop-up vaccination clinic in less than three weeks.

On Sunday (Nov. 14), Fraser Health nurses and workers will be inoculating vaccines against COVID-19 to Tri-City residents aged 12 years and older still looking for a first or second jab, and even third doses for eligible people 

Residents can walk into the clinic between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no appointment needed. Vaccines will be provided as capacity and supplies allow.

If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number.

If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first dose, you will need your personal health number and immunization record card.

A non-mandatory third dose is currently recommended for those in B.C. who are immuno-compromised. 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.

Its hours of operation are as follows:

• 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