KFL&A Public Health report increase in COVID-19 cases in University District

Dr. Hugh Guan, Acting Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health has confirmed an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in young adults in the downtown core. 

Young adults, aged 18-29, make up more than half of the most recent COVID-19 cases in the KFL&A area. Eighteen of the 33 cases that have been reported in the last ten days were of that age group.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should get tested for COVID-19, Public Health urged in a media release dated Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Additionally, unimmunized, or partially immunized individuals who have attended large gatherings in the university district should also get tested, even if they don’t have symptoms. 

KFL&A Public Health’s investigations have revealed transmission is occurring during close, unprotected contact between individuals in social settings (including large gatherings) where physical distancing is limited, and face coverings are not being worn, according to the release. The COVID-19 cases are rising quickly as they are being driven by the Delta COVID-19 variant, which is transmitted easily in social settings, can cause greater severity of disease, and impacts younger individuals who are not vaccinated, the health agency said.

“With the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 Delta variant, we urge young adults to act in a responsible and conscientious way by avoiding large gatherings and protecting others in our community by getting tested for COVID-19,” Dr. Guan said.

Under the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to:

• Get fully vaccinated.
• Avoid social gatherings, visiting others, or having others visit you and stay overnight. 
• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with and wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces or any time physical distancing is not possible.
• If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 — stay home, isolate, and get tested early.

The COVID-19 assessment centre at the Beechgrove Complex at 51 Heakes Lane, Kingston. COVID-19 testing appointments are available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit kflaph.ca/Coronavirus  or visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.