The number of COVID-19 cases in Richmond has been rising incrementally over the past four weeks, but weekly numbers continue to remain below 50.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) noted 46 new cases this past week (Nov. 7-13) up from 41 the week prior.
Neighbourhood-level data show some areas have higher rates, for example, the Gilmore/Shellmont/East/Hamilton area had six cases per 100,000 residents between Nov. 9 and 15 whereas in City Centre, Steveston and Blundell, this was just one case per 100,000 residents.
If the health authority identifies a cluster, they are investigated with public health following up on individual cases, explained Richmond’s medical health officer, Meena Dawar.
BCCDC data of those 12 and older who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine show a range across Richmond, from a high of 93 per cent in City Centre to 86 per cent in Blundell and Broadmoor.
Dawar pointed out those who are fully vaccinated are 50 times less likely to get severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19 and are less likely to end up in hospital.
“Immunized individuals can get infected with COVID-19 but they tend to have milder infection which indicates good protection from available vaccines,” Dawar said in an email to the Richmond News.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) continues to offer vaccines at River Rock Casino.
They have also offered booster shots – a third COVID-19 vaccine – to anyone living in long-term care or assisted living homes. Boosters are also available for people over the age of 70 and eligible health-care workers.
Anyone who had two doses of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD more than six months ago can also get a booster.
“Provincial monitoring of duration of immunity being led by the BCCDC continues to indicate the current vaccines provide a high level of protection for the majority of British Columbians,” Dawar added.
The vaccination clinic at River Rock Casino is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
