Local mayors in the Fraser Health region have started a friendly challenge to race to community immunity.
“So much of our efforts throughout the pandemic have been about working together to achieve common goals – the health and well-being of our communities and the eventual end of the pandemic,” said Delta Mayor George Harvie in a news release. “Thanks to our combined determination, the tireless efforts of frontline workers, and now the supply of vaccine, these goals are finally in sight. In Delta we look forward to championing the race to community immunity and hope all of our neighbours will be right on our heels.”
The Fraser Health Authority notes that now that everyone aged 12 and over are eligible to register and book for their immunization, mayors across the region are encouraging their residents to get immunized and be the first community to herd immunity.
Fraser Health says, “it is pleased to support the community challenge to see the region be able to put the pandemic behind us, open businesses again and get back to doing the things we have had to sacrifice to respond to this pandemic.”
The challenge will see which community can achieve 70 per cent, 75 per cent and 80 per cent immunization thresholds first, as well as the community that shows the most progress.
Updates will be shared on social media by participating mayors and Fraser Health, the health region says.
The participants also include the mayors of Abbotsford, Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Kent, City of Langley, Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and White Rock.
The health region says that as of May 25, more than 60 per cent of eligible adults over 12 years of age in Fraser Health have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
That’s over one million doses region-wide, but there is more work to do, the FHA adds.
“Fraser Health has seen the highest case numbers in our province and it is all hands on deck as we work to provide COVID-19 vaccines to everyone in our region that wants one. As an interconnected region, vaccines are important whether you live in a larger city or a smaller community area,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO of Fraser Health.
“I’m grateful for our mayors that have come together for this challenge and for their ongoing support, leadership and contributions throughout this pandemic. As community leaders, they have the unique understanding of their local area needs and will greatly help us extend our reach as far as possible at this critical time.”
Fraser Health notes it also continues to collaborate with places of worship, community and municipal partners to remove barriers to people receiving their COVID-19 immunization across the region.
These supports, including kiosks, in-reach clinics and neighbourhood clinics are detailed at: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/registration#.YK_p1d1lCpo.
