For the first time in three months, the Tri-Cities is officially back in triple-digits for weekly COVID-19 cases in its local health area.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) confirmed 150 infections of the virus between Aug. 15 and 21 — its latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence — an increase of nearly 75%.
In the previous week, 86 cases were found across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
The last time the region hovered the 150-case mark was 15 weeks ago between May 9 and 15 (153); the region hasn't recorded a triple-digit count since the week of May 23 (101).
The Tri-Cities posted the third-highest case count in the BCCDC's newest report among other Fraser Health neighbourhoods behind Surrey (252) and Burnaby (158).
As of this publication (Aug. 19), Fraser Health has 1,319 active cases in its vicinity.
To date, 89,566 COVID-19 cases have been recorded since the start of the pandemic in March 2020; about 97% of those are considered fully recovered and 930 people have died from complications with the virus.
There are 26 people admitted into critical care among 57 total hospitalizations across Fraser Health.
VACCINE CLINICS
Fraser Health has announced a series of pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics at post-secondary schools across its authority region, including Douglas College in Coquitlam.
The local campus is set to host two stations in September, which will also be open to eligible students, staff and residents aged 12 years and older who still have not yet received one of two doses of any vaccine.
For those seeking a first dose, you don't need to have a personal health number or be a resident of B.C. as some students may be from outside the province for studying.
Those seeking a second dose will need to have received an invitation through B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal or have waited a minimum of 28 days since the first jab, and are encouraged to bring their immunization card.
The details for Douglas College are as follows:
Sept. 1
- Outside between Buildings 'A' and 'B'
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 8
- Room B3051
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As well, Fraser Health is setting up a special-event vaccine clinic at the ScotFestBC Highland Games on Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The mass immunization centre at the Poirier Forum is scheduled to close Sept. 3, but the one in the Coquitlam Central Station overflow parking lot will remain open on a daily basis.
For more information on vaccine clinics and their locations, you're encouraged to visit Fraser Health's website.
