Two thirds of new KFL&A region’s COVID-19 cases associated with Queen’s University

A new case of COVID-19 at Queen’s University brings the total number of cases at the post-secondary institution to 14, fully two-thirds of Kingston Frontenac, Lennox & Addington region’s 21 total cases identified this month.

Seven of the cases are students in residence, and seven not in residence, confirmed Queen’s University.

“Today, Queen’s has been advised by KFL&A Public Health that a residence student has tested positive for COVID-19.  The student is following appropriate protocols and is self-isolating,” Queen’s University said in an email release.

The University says it is working closely with KFL&A Public Health and contact tracing staff is connecting 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, said the University.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health said that the new case at Queen’s University brings the number of active cases in the region to 16, all of which have been detected in the past two weeks. Moore said the local Public Health Unit is currently monitoring 119 people in total in the region.

“The 18 to 30 age group is of concern right now,” he said, confirming that the majority of new cases have been in females aged 20 or younger. “Numerous college and university towns across North America are seeing that this age group is vulnerable due to the increased number of social contacts contacting COVID-19. We’re just fortunate at this time that we have small numbers.”

However, these numbers do not indicate an outbreak in the region.

“There is no evidence of community spread at this time,” he said.

With files from Tori Stafford