Burnaby's COVID-19 positivity and case rates are skyrocketing week by week and provincial health officials have been forced to issue another round of health orders across the province.
According to the latest COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard report, all four Burnaby quadrants have case rates of more than five and percentages also swinging upwards.
The data is released by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
The increase of hospitalizations and caseloads prompted Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to reveal B.C. would be implementing vaccine passports as of Sept. 13.
British Columbians will need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 13 to use the B.C. Vaccine Card. By October 24, users are expected to be fully vaccinated at least seven days after getting their second dose to access businesses and events.
A link will be provided to British Columbians with their proof of vaccination ahead of the September 13 launch of the certificates that people can save onto their phones to show businesses. Those unable to show proof of vaccination online will be given “a secure alternative option,” according to a government release.
Establishments where proof of vaccination will be required include:
- Indoor ticketed sports events
- Indoor concerts
- Indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
- Restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
- Night clubs
- Casinos
- Movie theatres
- Fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
- Businesses offering high-intensity group exercise activities
- Organized indoor events (weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops)
- Discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
Yesterday, Henry also suddenly announced another mandatory mask public health order was being implemented as of Aug. 25 to help control the transmission of the virus.
The mask mandate was originally lifted on July 1.
B.C. Premier John Horgan announced on Monday (Aug. 23) that B.C. would not be moving to Phase 4 of its COVID-19 reopening plan which was scheduled for Sept. 7, 2021.
Burnaby's latest regional numbers for Aug. 17 to 23, 2021, are as follows. Case rates are new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area.
BURNABY NORTHWEST
- Case rate: 10
- Positivity rate: 3%
- Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 89%
- Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 82%
BURNABY NORTHEAST
- Case rate: 6
- Positivity rate: 3%
- Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 87%
- Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 80%
BURNABY SOUTHWEST
- Case rate: 7
- Positivity rate: 1%
- Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 86%
- Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 78%
BURNABY SOUTHEAST
- Case rate: 9
- Positivity rate: 4%
- Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 85%
- Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 78%
- With files from Tyler Orton, Business In Vancouver
