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1 new case of COVID in Golden area

New cases are slightly decreasing across Interior Health
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A map showing the geographic distribution of cases in the province. (BC CDC photo)

The BC CDC is reporting only one new case of COVID-19 in the Golden area for the week of Oct. 10-16.

It’s the lowest case count in the area since August.

Despite the low case count, it is not time to be complacent, as neighbouring communities continue to see spikes of the virus. For example, Windermere, which saw just one case the week prior, is now reporting 10 new cases.

Cranbrook is still seeing high numbers as well, with 43 new cases, and Fernie is holding steady with five.

Across Rogers Pass, Revelstoke saw six new cases.

Vaccination rates in Golden are continuing to slowly creep up, with 91 per cent of those eligible receiving their first dose as of Oct. 18, up from 90 per cent the week prior. Second dose coverage is at 83 per cent, another slight increase from 82 per cent the week prior.

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Cases counts continue to be highest amongst unvaccinated people. Over the past week, fully vaccinated individuals represented 73 per cent of B.C.’s total population, but accounted for only 32 per cent of cases and 20 per cent of hospitalizations, according to the BC CDC.

Over the past month, fully vaccinated individuals accounted for 29 per cent of cases and 19 per cent of hospitalizations.

As more people get fully vaccinated, the number of breakthrough cases will increase, as there will be fewer unvaccinated people. For example, if 100 per cent of the population were vaccinated, then 100 per cent of cases would be in vaccinated people. However, the overall number of cases and hospitalizations would be low, due to the vaccine.

This is the final week before full vaccination will be required for certain non-essential services as a part of the B.C. Vaccine Card program.

Golden’s vaccine clinic will once again be accepting walk in patients, with the addition of a drop-in clinic at the Civic Centre starting on Wednesday, Oct.13.

The clinic will be every Wednesday until Nov. 3 and will be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Vaccines will also be available at the health unit located at the hospital, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The hospital will be by appointment only.

Vaccination registration is now open for children aged 5-11, as the province begins to prepare to vaccinate those under the age of 12 in November, pending Health Canada’s approval.

The fastest option to secure an appointment is to register online at the government of BC website.



Claire Palmer

About the Author: Claire Palmer

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