Three new COVID-19 cases identified in Queen’s University residences

Queen’s University has confirmed that all three of Kingston’s new COVID-19 cases released today are from university students in residence.

“Queen’s has been advised by KFL&A Public Health of three new positive cases of COVID-19 in residence,” said the university in a press release. “The students have all been following appropriate protocols and are self-isolating.”

This means that out of the 20 cases identified in the KFL&A region since the beginning of September, 13 of those have been in the Queen’s community, according to a comparison between the university’s case tracker and KFL&A Public Health’s case tracker.

The university says that it is working closely with KFL&A Public Health and that contact tracing staff will connect with any close contacts they determine should be tested and/or asked to self-isolate.

“Residence Facilities staff are continuing to clean shared spaces and high touch points frequently, in accordance with their COVID-19 cleaning protocols,” the university said in the release.

“The University takes the health and safety of its students, staff, faculty and the entire Kingston community seriously. Yesterday the Provost sent an email to all residence students stressing the importance of following public health guidelines, residence isolation protocols, and the expectations outlined in the Residence Community Standards,” the university continued.

Queen’s is urging students in residence to continue to self-monitor and familiarize themselves with the COVID19- Residence Student Isolation Protocol. All other students and staff should continue to self-monitor and if experiencing symptoms utilize the online assessment tool provided by the university.