Local COVID-19 cases in the Tri-Cities have been nearly reduced by 50 per cent over the last two weeks.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) recorded 52 infections between Nov. 21 and 27 — the newest data collected and released to the public for Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence.
This is a drop of 26 per cent compared to 71 detected the week of Nov. 14, which was a 30 per cent decrease from the previous report of 101 (Nov. 7).
Not since the middle of summer has the Tri-Cities recorded as low of a number of local health cases.
Back then, between Aug. 1 and 7, the region recorded 45 infections before jumping up to 86 in the following report.
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra combined for the eighth-most COVID-19 cases across Fraser Health's jurisdiction this past week.
Surrey (151) has the highest, followed by Abbotsford (144), Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows (85), Langley (74), Mission (73), Chilliwack (71) and Burnaby (57).
Eligible Tri-City residents aged 12 and older are nearing the 90 per cent threshold for two vaccine doses against COVID-19, sitting at 89.6 per cent exactly as if this publication (Dec. 3).
That same age group has reached a 91.8 per cent single-dose vaccination rate.
Additionally, the BCCDC is reporting a 49.6 per cent vaccination rate among regional residents aged 70 years and older have been jabbed a third time — a weekly increase of nearly 15 per cent.
That's tied for the second-highest rate currently in the Fraser Health authority with South Surrey/White Rock and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, and 12th across B.C.
CHILDREN WELCOME AT VACCINE CLINICS
Speaking of vaccines, Fraser Health confirms to the Tri-City News the authority is now welcoming kids aged five to 11 to all of its clinics for parents and guardians looking to register their child for a vaccine against COVID-19.
This includes all upcoming stations in the Tri-Cities.
Today (Dec. 3), Douglas College's Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way) is hosting another pop-up clinic with nurses and healthcare workers setting up shop between 11 a.m. and 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.
Four other dates are currently scheduled to take place in the next two weeks:
- Dec. 6, 11, 13 and 17
Eligible residents can walk up with no appointment necessary. For kids aged five to 11, you must book an appointment in advance.
If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
The mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot is also welcoming young children aged five to 11.
First, second and third inoculations are being offered. However, 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 and instructions 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
