The Tri-Cities are still in triple-figures, but the good news is that COVID-19 cases have decreased.
The region tallied 127 lab-confirmed infections between Oct. 3 and 9 across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
It's the latest geographic distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
This marks the first drop in week-to-week cases in one month — a modest nine per cent decrease from 139 recorded between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2.
Between Sept. 12 and 18, there were 111 infections found across the region, which accounted for a 33 per cent decrease from 165 (Sept. 5 to 11).
The Tri-Cities had the sixth-highest weekly case count compared to other Fraser Health neighbourhoods.
Surrey (329) is still the authority's and B.C.'s hot spot, followed by Chilliwack (289), Abbotsford (244), Langley (228) and Burnaby (160).
Outside of Fraser Health, Prince George has the highest COVID-19 case count with 284 — the third-highest in the province.
Central Okanagan's local infections have decreased to 186, which remains the highest in the Interior Health authority.
The Tri-Cities' trend is beginning as the local health area also eclipsed an 85 per cent double-vaccination rate among eligible residents aged 12 years and older between Oct. 5 and 11, and 90 per cent for single vaccinations.
THIRD DOSES AVAILABLE
Immuno-compromised Tri-City residents now have access to the third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Third jabs are available at vaccine clinics across Fraser Health, including the Tri-Cities' lone mass immunization clinic, for those with compromised immune systems in ensuring they have better protection against the virus.
As capacity and supplies allow, the Coquitlam Central Station Park and Ride overflow lot is allowing eligible immuno-compromised residents who are 12 years and older to walk in and receive a third inoculation.
B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal is also sending invitations by phone, text or email to those residents to book an appointment ahead of time, and it must be at least four weeks apart from the second dose.
The Central Station site is also continuing to accept walk-ins for first or second doses seven days a week.
Its operating hours 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
A full eligibility list for those looking for a third vaccine dose is available on the BCCDC's website.
