Increased Level of Widespread Community Activity of COVID-19

Kingston, ON – As the transmission of COVID-19 continues to grow within the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington area, and throughout the rest of the province, KFL&A 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.

“Our local data indicates that COVID-19 cases in our area are at the highest levels to date, confirming the 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.
KFL&A Public Health’s investigations have revealed transmission is occurring during close, unprotected contact between individuals in work and social settings (including large gatherings) where physical distancing is limited, and face coverings are not being worn.

Given this trend, we have three individuals over 80 years of age with COVID-19 in the community. 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. If you are an employer, increase opportunities for those most at risk to work from home.

“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 residents of our area 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.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, visit KFL&A Public Health’s website or the Ministry of Health’s website.