KFL&A Public Health, community partners ‘addressing rising COVID-19 cases in community’

The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) region is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases in several clusters across the City of Kingston. 

According to a release from KFL&A Public Health, ongoing investigations reveal transmission is occurring during close, unprotected contact between individuals in social settings where physical distancing is limited, and face coverings are not being worn.

“With cases spiking in our region, the fight against the COVID-19 virus continues. If you have not yet received your COVID-19 shot, please consider getting vaccinated. It is safe and effective and helps to prevent the spread of illness,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health, adding “and if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please get tested and isolate at home.”

KFL&A Public Health urgently reminds the community to: 

• Get fully vaccinated. 
• Limit indoor social gatherings 
• Stay two metres apart and wear a mask in indoor public spaces or any time physical distancing is not possible. 
• Stay home, isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. KFL&A COVID-19 assessment centres are offering a less invasive swab for children to help ease the testing experience. 

KFL&A Public Health, the United Way of KFL&A and many other community partners have mobilized and are collaborating to best meet the needs of those affected, according to the release.  

“COVID-19 continues to trouble our community, but it also continues to strengthen our community partnerships,” said Ruth Noordegraaf, Director, Housing and Social Services. “Our community partners immediately responded to the call to collaborate and the impact of these partnerships is already being felt throughout the community.”

According to the release, the community partner group is addressing community clusters on two major fronts: support and protection. Support – through providing basic needs such as food, shelter and other necessities, and protection, by offering on-site testing and mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Kingston Transit buses to the larger community. 

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, visit kflaph.ca/Coronavirus 

Kingstonist will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.