News

New Variant of COVID-19 found in KFL&A Region

Kingston—Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health is advising anyone who has travelled outside of the region (i.e., beyond Hastings, Prince Edward, Leeds, Grenville, or Lanark counties), has had visitors from outside the region, or has moved to the region in the last 14 days to consider voluntary, asymptomatic testing for COVID-19.

This asymptomatic testing initiative is being recommended in the KFL&A region, as KFL&A Public Health has received the first lab...

Read more

Home-based Food Businesses must comply with Provincial Regulations

Kingston— During COVID-19, KFL&A Public Health is seeing an increased interest in people opening home-based food businesses. Prior to starting this new business venture, it is important to research the requirements of opening a food-related business in your home. Public Health Inspectors at KFL&A Public Health can guide you through the process to ensure you are meeting the requirements and supporting you to achieve your business plans.

Food businesses, regardless of location (e.g., public or...

Read more

Message from KFL&A Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health

Kingston— In response to the alarming increases in COVID-19 cases in the province, on January 12, 2021 the Government of Ontario declared a second provincial emergency to enhance public health measures in an effort to reduce increasing case counts and reduce the load on our health care system.

Despite the lockdown that was implemented on December 26, cases of COVID-19 have continued to climb across the province.  A stay-at-home order will be implemented under the Emergency Management and Civil...

Read more

First Death from COVID-19 Confirmed in KFL&A Region

KFL&A Public Health has received lab confirmation of the first death related to COVID-19 in the KFL&A region. A male in his 80’s passed away on January 9, 2021, at hospital.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who died today,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “This reinforces the reality of COVID-19 in our community and I urge individuals to do everything they can to prevent its spread, recognizing that many are...

Read more

Confirmed COVID-19 Positive Cases at Rogers Store at Cataraqui Town Centre

Kingston, ON – Today, KFL&A Public Health confirmed COVID-19 positive cases at the Rogers Store located at Cataraqui Town Centre, 945 Gardiners Rd., Kingston. KFL&A Public Health is unable to contact all customers who may have been exposed.

Customers who were shopping in the Rogers Store between December 17 to December 22, 2020 may be affectedand are recommended to book an appointment for testing at their local assessment centre.

The COVID-19 assessment centres in the KFL&A region are open daily and...

Read more

KFL&A Region Moved to Orange-Restrict Level

Kingston, ON – Today at 4:45 p.m. the government of Ontario announced that the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) region will move from the Yellow–Protect level to the Orange–Restrict level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Response Framework. The sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in KFL&A over the past two weeks means that the region meets the criteria for the orange–restrict level, with a weekly incidence rate between 25 and 39.9 cases per 100,000.

The move to the...

Read more

Holiday Hours for KFL&A Public Health Programs and Services

KINGSTON—KFL&A Public Health will continue to provide essential services related to COVID-19 (e.g., contact tracing and case management) throughout the holiday period. The schedule for other agency programs and services will be modified over the next couple of weeks.  Main office – KingstonOur Kingston office will be closed to the public on:·         Thursday, December 24, 2020·         Friday, December 25, 2020·         Monday, December 28, 2020·         Thursday, December 31, 2020·        ...

Read more

COVID-19 Positive Cases Linked to Multiple House Parties in Kingston

Kingston, ON – Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health confirms multiple recent COVID-19 positive cases attended several house parties held on December 11 and December 12 in the university district during their period of communicability.

All individuals who attended house parties in this area are required to self-isolate and to get tested if symptoms occur. Once tested, individuals should continue to self-isolate until they receive a negative test result. If...

Read more

Clarification on Class Order for Owners and Staff Working in Home and Community Care Organizations

Kingston, ON – A Class Order was issued on December 10, 2020 pursuant to Section 22 of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990 for owners and staff working in home and community care organizations.

The organizations covered under this order include those that provide services in client homes and are under contract to provide services to patients on behalf of Ontario Health or the South East Local Health Integration Network.

Owners are required to enforce stronger infection prevention...

Read more

Risk of Drug-involved Overdoses Remains High in KFL&A

KINGSTON – KFL&A Public Health is warning residents that an extremely toxic batch of drugs continues to circulate in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington. Local harm reduction programs report unusually high rates of overdoses in the last ten days. Partners indicate that very small amounts of a drug, regardless of how the drug is consumed, are enough to cause overdose. People are experiencing extremely heavy sedation that can last for hours. In some cases, people are experiencing severe...

Read more