New cases of COVID-19 have reached double digits for a third straight week in the North Thompson Local Health Area.
From Nov. 21 to 27, most recent data from the BC Centres for Disease Control, 11 new cases were reported in the LHA. The week prior, Nov. 14 to 20, the region recorded 26 new cases — the highest since the pandemic began in early 2020. During the second week of November, 13 new COVID-19 cases were recorded. The average daily case rate over those three weeks was over 20 per 100,000 people.
The hike in coronavirus cases follows numerous potential exposure events at Raft River Elementary at the beginning of November.
Overall, new cases of COVID-19 have been in decline in British Columbia, as cases saw a steady decline over the weekend, with 351 on Saturday, 311 on Sunday and 284 on Monday. Hospitalization also saw a decline.
Provincially, from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 58.3 per cent of cases, and from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2, they accounted for 66.1 per cent of hospitalizations. As of Monday, more than 91 per cent of people aged 12 and up have received a first dose and 88.7 per cent have two doses.
In the North Thompson LHA, as of Nov. 30, just 78 per cent of those 12 and up have received their first dose, while 74 per cent have received their second. Vaccination rates in the region have steadily risen by about one per cent per week.
The BC CDC updates vaccination rates every Tuesday and case rate maps are updated every Wednesday.
As of Dec. 1, children aged five to 11 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents and guardians in B.C. can register their children and book an appointment when prompted. Pharmacies do not provide the pediatric vaccine for this age group. A vaccine clinic for children aged five to 11 will be held at the Clearwater Ski Lodge on Dec. 16 for booked appointments only.
The Clearwater Health Centre is continuing vaccination clinics on a walk-in basis for first and second doses or by booking an appointment for a booster. Upcoming clinics are Dec. 8 and 15, and Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
To register or book an appointment, visit the Government of B.C. website.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter