Anyone with COVID-19 Symptoms or Who Has Tested Positive for COVID-19 MUST Self-Isolate

Kingston, ON – Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health is ordering all individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. KFL&A Public Health is reminding the community of the Class Order, pursuant to Section 22 of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990, issued to enforce self-isolation requirements for individuals residing in or present in the KFL&A region who:

1. are identified as a person diagnosed with COVID-19,
2. have the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, have similar signs or symptoms, or who have tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results,
3. otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have symptoms of COVID-19, or
4. are a close contact of a person identified in (1) or as identified by KFL&A Public Health

“We will have no problem restricting and charging individuals who do not adhere to this order, to ensure that those who need to self-isolate do so, for the protection of all residents in our community,” said Dr. Kieran Moore.  “Especially if these individuals have already been advised, contacted, and we have information that they are leaving their home.”

Self-isolation is generally for a period of 14 days from the first onset of symptom(s) from testing or from diagnosis with COVID-19, whichever is earliest, and provided the individual does not have a fever and their other symptom(s) are improving on the fourteenth day.  In some cases, public health officials may direct an individual to extend the period of isolation, depending upon symptoms and test results.

Individuals who are affected by the class order are required to remain in their place of residence. If a person with COVID-19 is homeless, or where their home is otherwise unsuitable or unsafe for isolation purposes, they will be provided appropriate safe accommodation.

Self-isolation means not leaving home at all or having any visitors except as permitted by KFL&A Public Health (e.g., where a health care worker is visiting the home or for essential medical treatment). People in self-isolation should arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered to them.

The class order has been in effect since June 30, 2020 and will remain in effect until such time as the Medical Officer of Health determines it is no longer required. Individuals who are required to self-isolate, as identified under this class order, and who do not do so can be charged and fined up to $5,000.00 per day. Police assistance can be ordered for individuals who do not willingly comply.

To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus  or to review this class order, visit www.kflaph.ca/SelfIsolation/

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