Back to SearchKingston, ON – As the transmission of COVID-19 continues to grow within the downtown core, City of Kingston residents are facing a critical time in the fight against this virus. Everyone must strengthen their efforts to contain its spread. This increased level of COVID-19 activity impacts and threatens our health and lives, businesses, and the ability of our healthcare system to manage the increased demands of its services.
“With 13 new cases already today, our local data indicates a rate over 30 cases per 100,000 confirming an upward surge of this virus and we are projecting much higher levels unless we take more action to curb its spread,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health.
Given this trend in the City of Kingston, KFL&A Public Health is especially concerned for those individuals at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults and other vulnerable populations. As much as possible, those at higher risk from COVID-19 should stay home, limit social interactions to those in your household, and avoid trips outside the home by getting groceries and medicine delivered or having a family member or friend deliver essential items to your doorstep.
“We must all continue to work together and stay vigilant—staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. I am asking all City of Kingston residents to take the following actions immediately:
- Monitor for symptoms daily and get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19,
- Stay home if you have any symptoms – do not go to work or visit others,
- If someone in your household is symptomatic, they need to get tested and everyone else in the household must isolate until a negative test result is back,
- Avoid crowds and closed spaces,
- Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with),
- Do not travel outside of the KFL&A area,
- Wear a face covering and stay 2 metres apart from anyone who does not live in your household,
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often,
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, and
- Cover your coughs and sneezes,” added Dr. Moore.
On Monday, March 22, the KFL&A region will move from the Green-Prevent level to the Yellow–Protect level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Response Framework. There are some new and specific measures that come with the provincial yellow-protect level. All measures are listed in Government of Ontario amended O. Reg. 364/20 Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020. Owners and operators of businesses and organizations are strongly encouraged to carefully review the regulation and determine which sections apply to their sector.
In addition, Dr. Moore has revised and extended the Class Order for the City of Kingston that was originally put in place to address celebrations around St. Patrick’s Day. The revised section 22 order for the City of Kingston will take effect on March 22 and continue through to April 30, 2021 with a focus on limiting indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 5 persons.For the City of Kingston this Order supersedes the regulations and outlines additional requirements not set out in the regulations.
For more information on COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus.
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