KFL&A records six deaths due to COVID-19 over Christmas weekend
The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) region recorded six deaths due to COVID-19 over the Christmas weekend (Dec. 25 to 27), KFL&A Public Health confirmed on Monday afternoon.
The record number of deaths in such a brief time period comes even as the total number of active cases decreased slightly, from 1,668 active cases on Dec. 24, 2021 to 1,568 active cases on Dec. 27, 2021. The KFL&A region has seen multiple deaths in one day due to COVID-19 only once before, earlier this month. These most recent deaths bring the total number of deaths in the region to 22, 16 of which have been over the past five weeks.
Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health, issued a brief statement on Monday afternoon regarding the deaths. “In the past few days, there have been six deaths as a result of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region. Sadly, most of these individuals were affected by the Delta variant and had been hospitalized and in the ICU for some time,” Dr. Oglaza said.
“Please continue to adhere to public health measures, including monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19, getting tested, and staying home if not feeling well. When eligible, get your third dose to protect yourself, family, and our community,” Dr. Oglaza advised.
According to provincial information, the deceased were a male in his 50s, a male in his 60s, two females in their 70s, a male aged 90+, and a female aged 90+. Four acquired the virus via close contact, one was outbreak-related, and another remains undetermined.
According to KFL&A Public Health, over the past three days, 291 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the region. Over that same time period, 365 cases have been resolved.
There are currently 14 KFL&A residents in hospital, with seven in the ICU, and six of those on ventilators.
It is immensely helpful if we the public know a few details regarding the massive increase in cases and deaths in Kingston- non identifying of course. But age? Vaccinated vs non vaccinated? Possible cormobities etc? We deserve that!! I am disappointed with the lack of communication from public health- seriously- we need more communication!
Queens students aren’t even here and the age range (18-30) includes higher ages than students. The issue with the students as well is that they live in congregate settings (residences, homes with 5+ students) where the Omicron variant is likely to spread. Exams were originally taking place in person so many kids were in close proximity in gyms and arenas until that changed. Maybe look at the numbers from a different perspective.
This is on Queen’s and it’s students! My family has supported this institution for over 100 years but it ends here!
Thank you. I enjoy reading the Kingstonist and getting up to date information in and about our region.