Third COVID-19 variant of concern case detected in KFL&A

A third COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) was reported in our region on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021, by Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health.

According to Public Health the case is isolating, and has been since their initial COVID-19 positive test.

At a media briefing earlier this week, 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. This most recent case of a VOC tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

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.

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

The VOC reported yesterday was not associated with international travel. According to Public Health, the individual travelled from a region outside of KFL&A, and is isolating at home in the KFL&A region. Public Health conveyed that the individual travelled alone.

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.