Fourth variant of concern case confirmed in KFL&A

A fourth case of a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) was reported in our region on Monday, Mar. 1, 2021, by Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health.

The individual tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, and Public Health says this transmission was through close contact.

The first case of the more transmissible variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1.7, was reported on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Public Health confirmed a second VOC on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, and a third on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021.

At an earlier media briefing, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health, explained that there are currently three COVID-19 variants: B.1.1.7 (variant first found in UK), B.1.351 (variant first found in South Africa), and P.1 (variant first found in Brazil). He said that the testing for variants of concern takes place within 48 hours of a positive COVID-19 test. It can take up to three weeks to determine which COVID-19 variant is present in the sample.

The specific sub-types of the VOC now in our area will be on the KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 dashboard when they are determined, according to Public Health.

Public Health is also asking everyone to adhere to the following measures to keep COVID-19 from spreading in the region:

• Stay home
• Stay local and avoid travel outside the region
• Wear a three-layer face covering
• Stay 2 metres apart from others, especially in large stores like grocery stores
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Limit your close contact to those in your household
• Work from home, if possible
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19

With files from Tori Stafford.