New COVID-19 infections in Burnaby are continuing to drop amid tighter testing requirements and the lifting of restrictions.
According to the latest Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence, Burnaby recorded just 98 cases from Feb. 13 to 19, 2022.
From Jan. 6 to 12, 2022, 162 cases were detected.
With cases and hospitalizations also continuing to decline across B.C., Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she'll be "reviewing" the province's remaining restrictions in the next few weeks.
During Wednesday's (Feb. 23) press conference, Dr. Henry noted the decline in transmission and COVID hospitalizations across the province in recent weeks is "encouraging."
Last week, Dr. Henry announced the easing of most of the province's COVID-19 restrictions, save for the mandatory use of masks and vaccine cards in public indoor places.
“Our progress remains on track and we are continuing to see this steady decline and these are positive and encouraging trends,” she said. “We have committed to reviewing things in the next few weeks with the goal of removing additional measures as soon as we possibly can.”
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests now available for SFU staff, students and faculty
Students, staff and faculty at Simon Fraser University now have access to free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.
On Tuesday (Feb. 22), the school announced it had received a one-time shipment of rapid antigen tests from the Provincial Health Services Authority to support the continuity of on-campus learning, instruction, research and operations during the fall 2022 term.
All staff, faculty and students that are attending in-person learning are eligible for one free test kit, which contains five single-use rapid tests.
SFU says tests should only be used by symptomatic individuals, in alignment with public health guidance.
"Rapid tests should be considered a red light, not a green light, meaning that if you test positive you should immediately begin isolating," a school announcement reads.
"If you test negative but have symptoms, follow health guidance and limit contacts."
The school also strongly encourages everyone eligible to get vaccinated.
First dose COVID-19 vaccination rate in eligible Burnaby children aged 5-11 now tied for highest in Fraser Health
Burnaby's COVID-19 vaccination rate among eligible children aged 5-11 is now tied for the highest in Fraser Health.
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) COVID-19 surveillance dashboard, 66% of those aged 5-11 and eligible have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Feb. 22, 2022.
The increase is only 1% from the previous update reported on Feb. 15, 2022.
Burnaby now holds the highest rate for first doses in Fraser Health with New Westminster.
- New Westminster - 66%
- Burnaby - 66%
- Delta - 64%
- Tri-Cities - 63%
- South Surrey/White Rock - 62%
- Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows - 54%
- Surrey - 51%
- Langley - 50%
- Chilliwack - 37%
- Abbotsford - 38%
- Agassiz/Harrison - 37%
- Mission - 36%
- Hope - 30%
