A consistent roller coaster may be the best metaphor for the last weeks of COVID-19 in the Tri-Cities.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says there were 54 local-area infections of the virus detected across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, marking an 18 per cent decrease from 66.
That number was calculated between Dec. 5 and 11, and published by the provincial agency based on Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence data.
It represents a weekly trend the region may be getting used to:
- 54 (-18 per cent)
- Dec. 5-11, 2021
- 66 (+27 per cent)
- Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2021
- 52 (-26 per cent)
- Nov. 21-27, 2021
- 71 (-30 per cent)
- Nov. 14-20, 2021
- 101 (+16 per cent)
- Nov. 7-13, 2021
However, could we see weekly local health area cases back on the rise with the threat of the newest variant of COVID-19?
There are currently 44 lab-confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in B.C., 24 of which are in Fraser Health.
"That is another reason why more than ever if you had a previous infection, you still need to be vaccinated," stated provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry at an earlier news conference, noting the age range of those infected with the variant is "relatively young."
"Vaccination protects against this reinfection that we're seeing more commonly with Omicron."
As of this publication (Dec. 16), the Tri-Cities has a 90.2 per cent double-vaccination rate against COVID-19 among those aged 12 and up, as well as a 92 per cent single-dose average.
Five- to 11-year-old kids in the region currently hold just under a 25 per cent first-dose rate — the third-highest in Fraser Health — as that category remains in the early stages of its vaccine rollout.
More than 11 per cent of eligible Tri-City residents have been given a third dose, mostly factoring in those 70 years and older and immuno-compromised.
Based on the latest data available, Surrey remains B.C.'s current "hotspot" for the virus (222) and is the only localized area in Fraser Health in triple digits.
In the last week, the Tri-Cities posted the fifth-highest local-case count following Burnaby (69), Langley (65) and Delta (57).
VACCINE CLINICS
Three pop-up vaccination clinics will be set up at Douglas College's Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way) over the next four days starting tomorrow (Dec. 17)
Nurses and health care workers are set to welcome and inoculate more eligible residents in the Tri-Cities against COVID-19 on Friday, Saturday (Dec. 18) and Monday (Dec. 20).
Each clinic is taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Tim Hortons seating area.
Enter campus from Pinetree Way via the entrance marked with a 'Community Centre/Douglas College' sign. Park in the community centre parking lot on your right - it is pay parking. Cross the street to Douglas College and enter the building.
If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of identification.
Children aged five to 11 are also welcome to the clinics, but parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to book an appointment.
If it's your second jab, and it's been at least 28 days, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
More information is available on Fraser Health's website.
Eligible residents can also visit the mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot, where first, second and third doses are being offered.
Third jabs are only recommended at this time for eligible residents 70 years and older, as well as those classified as immuno-compromised.
The station's operating hours are as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 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
