Concern and transmission continue to rise rapidly throughout northwest B.C., especially in schools, which has prompted officials to bump vaccination plans in certain areas.
In the past day and a half, Northern Health has issued 15 COVID-19 exposure events for numerous schools throughout the region, particularly School Districts 82 (Coast Mountains) and 54 (Bulkley Valley).
The latest schools and dates are as follows:
- Mount Elizabeth Secondary (SD82) - March 1, 2021
- Caledonia Secondary (SD82) - March 1-3, 2021
- Houston Christian (Independent) - March 1-3, 2021
- Houston Secondary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
- Twain Sullivan Elementary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
- Silverthorne Elementary (SD54) - March 1-3, 2021
- Annunciation School - Prince Rupert (Independent) - March 1-3, 2021
- Skeena Middle (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
- Thornhill Primary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
- Parkside Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
- Ecole Mountain View Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 25-26, 2021
- Nechako Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
- Mount Elizabeth Secondary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
- Kildala Elementary (SD82) - Feb. 24-26, 2021
Things continue to go from bad to worse in northwest B.C. Northern Health has issued 15 COVID-19 exposure event alerts for numerous schools throughout the region. Prince George also has an elementary listed. #bcpoli #bced #COVID19BC #COVID19 #COVIDBC @Northern_Health @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/EvB4OuWZ1s
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 10, 2021
As officials struggle to contain clusters, outbreaks and transmission, Northern Health announced yesterday (March 9) a whole-community approach to vaccinated residents is being brought to Prince Rupert.
Northwest B.C. has seen cases, clusters and outbreaks skyrocket in the past few weeks. Now Prince Rupert, Port Edward residents will be able to get vaccines early. #bcpoli #bced #COVID19BC #COVID19 #COVIDBC @Northern_Health @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/bZKpuy00zB
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 10, 2021
“Prince Rupert has a high COVID-19 case rate and high positivity rate, that has not seen the improvements in recent weeks that are occurring elsewhere in the region,” Northern Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Jong Kim said in a statement.
“Quickly vaccinating the entire community is a great way to protect everyone in Prince Rupert, and keep them safe.”
The plan was approved in conjunction with Provincial Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C. Ministry of Health and Northern Health.
The entire community of Prince Rupert and nearby Port Edward will be immunized over the next three weeks.
Northern Health says starting this Friday (March 12), residents of the two communities can call a dedicated number to book an appointment for vaccination.
Plan was approved by Northern Health, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Ministry of Health. #bcpoli #bced #COVID19BC #COVID19 #COVIDBC @Northern_Health @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) March 10, 2021
The vaccinations will happen in groups, with older residents being vaccinated first. All Prince Rupert residents must phone ahead to book an appointment.
Dates and age groups are as follows:
- Ages 65 to 90 plus
- Booking available March 12-13, 2021
- Vaccination dates - March 15-20, 2021
- Ages 50-64
- Booking available March 14-15, 2021
- Vaccination dates - March 22-27, 2021
- Ages 40-49
- Booking available March 16-17, 2021
- Vaccination dates - March 22-27, 2021
- Ages 18-39
- Booking available March 18 and onwards
- Vaccination dates - March 29 to April 1, 2021
Immunization clinics for Prince Rupert and Port Edward residents will be held at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre (1000 McBride St., Prince Rupert).
- with files from The Canadian Press
