It’s certainly more good news for residents of Delta.
That’s what Mayor George Harvie is saying about the latest BC Centre for Disease Control’s weekly update of COVID-19 numbers for individual communities, showing Delta's recent positivity rates are almost or hitting zero.
“Our counts for the week have gone right down now to zero or one and I’m so impressed. Considering where we were four and five months ago, I never thought we’d see such a result for Delta,” said Harvie.
According to the BCCDC’s community map of confirmed cases, covering the period July 4 to 10, Delta had just seven cases.
Meanwhile, Surrey had 50 cases, Richmond had 16, Langley had 12, Abbotsford had 19, Burnaby had 22 and Vancouver had 43 cases.
As of July 13, 86 per cent of those ages 12 and up in Delta received a first dose of vaccine.
“We have the highest percentage of immunization now in Fraser Health, so I want to thank all our people for taking this seriously and getting immunized,” said Harvie.
Council this week got an update from staff on the implementation of Delta's reopening plan for municipal hall and parks, recreation and culture facilities when it comes to the transition to Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan, which was announced on July 1.
Step 3 will allow for the transition back to a more “normal” pre-pandemic state of operations for the city.
However, a report to council notes staff had previously noted that some adjustments in response to B.C.'s Restart Plan will be quicker for the city to make than others and that staff will be taking a cautious, conservative approach.
Consistent with provincial guidance, face masks are no longer mandatory inside civic facilities but are recommended for persons 12 years of age and over who are not fully vaccinated.
Proof of vaccination status is not required.
The city anticipates the continued return of staff to full complement by the beginning of September, while upcoming meetings of council will allow limited public attendance.
As far as facility use, the bookings for Delta facilities are proposed to resume later in July.
Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan states that fairs and festivals can operate when following communicable disease prevention guidance.
City of Delta organized or sponsored events require significant planning and resources and have been previously cancelled through the end of August, the report notes.
A report providing an updated listing of community events for council's consideration will be provided at an upcoming meeting of council.
The report adds B.C.'s Restart Plan has met all milestones to date, and if that continues, the province will enter into the final step of this plan (Step 4) on Sept. 7.
