A significant spike in recently detected COVID-19 cases has ended the Tri-Cities' seven-week stretch of steady declines.
And now, despite tighter testing restrictions, experts' recordings have put the region as one of B.C.'s current top-three hot spots for the virus.
There were 45 lab-confirmed COVID-19 infections found between June 26 and July 2 across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
That's almost double compared to the 23 recorded in the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) previous count — June 19 to 25.
At 95 per cent, it's the first increase for the region since the first week of May when there was a 20 per cent jump from 87 to 104 cases.
That was also the last time the Tri-Cities was in triple digits before nearly two months of weekly drops:
- 23 cases (32 per cent decrease)
- June 19 to 25
- 34 cases (13 per cent decrease)
- June 12 to 18
- June 5 to 11
- 39 cases (Seven per cent decrease)
- May 29 to June 4
- 42 cases (35 per cent decrease)
- May 22 to 28
- 65 cases (Two per cent decrease)
- May 15 to 21
- 66 cases (37 per cent decrease)
- May 8 to 14
- 104 cases (20 per cent increase)
- May 1 to 7
The new data was recorded and published today (July 7) in the BCCDC's Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence report.
The Tri-Cities' 45 cases were the third-highest recorded in the province.
Burnaby, its neighbouring local health area, is the new hot spot for COVID-19 after 63 were found as of July 2. Surrey had 59 infections detected.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations across B.C. also jumped 35 per cent to 369 today, up from 273 last Thursday (June 30).
This is the highest count since June 2, when there were 421 such patients in B.C. hospitals. Of those now hospitalized with the disease, 36 are in intensive care units — four more than one week ago.
This is the first uptick in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the province since May 12.
COVID-19 deaths continue to accumulate, with 24 people listed as having died while infected with COVID-19 in the week up until July 2. That is up from 17 such deaths in the previous week, but less than half of the 50 such deaths three weeks ago.
The death total includes anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 within 30 days and died.
Vaccination update
As of June 26, the BCCDC says eligible Tri-City adults aged 18 to 49 have reached the 60 per cent threshold for booster doses against the virus.
The same age group sat at a 55 per cent average booster rate for at least one month prior to the update.
However, overall single- (92), double- (90) and triple-vaccine rates (59) have not changed in the Tri-Cities among eligible residents above the age of five.
As well, Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead of B.C.'s COVID-19 immunization plan, is set to make an announcement tomorrow (July 8), which may likely provide the next steps in the province's vaccination process.
Until then, if you're looking to get a shot against COVID-19, Fraser Health has a clinic in Coquitlam for all eligible Tri-City residents.
Authority nurses and staff are set up inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) booking and delivering vaccinations against the virus, as well as other diseases.
The clinic is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and first, second and third doses are available.
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic.
Some of the vaccines offered include:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- For eligible children and adolescents aged five and older
- Tdap-IPV vaccine
- Protects against tetanus diphtheria, whooping cough and polio
- MMRV vaccine
- Protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
Before receiving a dose against COVID-19, Tri-City residents are encouraged to register via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal or call 1-833-838-2323.
You can also visit the province's website for more information.
- with files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver
