B.C. Health Officials have approved a ‘whole-community approach’ to immunizing residents of Prince Rupert, as the city continues to see high rates of community spread and virus clusters.
Residents 18 and up can book a vaccine appointment by April 1.
Northern Health says there are a number of small and rural communities in the north where a broader approach is being taken — such as Prince Rupert, Dease Lake, Fort Nelson and Stewart.
“It’s based on a number of factors. It could be because the population size itself is so small that logistically it doesn’t make sense to keep returning for small groups of age-based eligibility,” said Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins, “Also accessibility to higher levels of care if they were to experience higher rates of COVID-19.”
Collins says the city has not seen improvements in recent weeks that are occurring elsewhere in the region.
The Prince Rupert local health area reported 73 cases between February 21 to 27, reporting over 20 infections per 100,000 people.
It has also been the site of a severe long term care outbreak — 56 patients and staff have tested positive and 14 residents have died.
On top of that, there have been several communities and school exposures, most recently at North Coast Transition Society’s Crane’s Crossing shelter.
Beginning Friday, residents of Prince Rupert and nearby Port Edward can call a dedicated number to book an appointment for COVID-19 immunization, at clinics that will begin on Monday.
Patients and staff (not already immunized in Phase 1) at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, will also receive the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming three weeks.
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