News

KFL&A Public Health Orders Face Coverings Mandatory in Commercial Establishments

Kingston, ON – Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health issued an Order requiring all individuals to wear a face covering (e.g., homemade or purchased mask, scarf or bandana) when entering and accessing services at any commercial establishments in the KFL&A area. This Order is effective on Saturday, June 27 at 12:01 a.m.

“We have seen more people wearing face coverings voluntarily and making them mandatory reinforces best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19...

Read more

Confirmed COVID-19 Outbreak at Binh's Nail and Spa Salon

Kingston, ON – Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health confirms a COVID-19 outbreak at Binh’s Nail and Spa salon at 500 Gardiners Road in Kingston. All clients who have sought services at this salon between June 12 and June 24, 2020 are required to self-isolate and to get tested. Once tested, clients are required to quarantine for 14 days from the date of their appointment, regardless of test results.

“The well-being of Binh’s Nail and Spa customers and...

Read more

KFL&A Public Health Issues Heat Warning

Due to high temperatures and humidex levels Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Friday June 19, 2020 through to Sunday, June 21 possibly continuing overnight into Monday. A combination of heat andhigh humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death.

This warning is in effect for all areas within Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties. 

A heat...

Read more

KFL&A Public Health Issues Heat Warning

Due to high temperatures and humidex levels Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Friday June 19, 2020 and Saturday June 20, 2020. A combination of heat andhigh humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death.

This warning is in effect for all areas within Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties. 

A heat warning is issued by Environment Canada for...

Read more

KFL&A Public Health Launches New Quick Test Clinic for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Kingston—The rate of gonorrhea has been steadily rising over the past 5 years. In January 2020, KFL&A Public Health declared a gonorrhea outbreak when it reached an all-time monthly high of 25 cases. This monthly high was quickly surpassed in February when 26 cases were reported. Through the first 5 months of 2020, KFL&A Public Health has been notified of 98 confirmed cases of gonorrhea.

“In comparison, there were 81 total confirmed cases of gonorrhea in all of 2019,” said Dr. Hugh Guan, PGY5...

Read more

Increase in Drug-involved Overdoses in KFL&A area

KFL&A Public Health is warning residents of a toxic batch of drugs circulating in the KFL&A area. Increases in overdoses have been noted in emergency departments, 9-1-1 calls for overdoses, and local harm reduction programs.  Initial reports indicate that the substances being used include crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine and have been observed to be in a variety of colours.

KFL&A Public Health is urging all people who use drugs to not mix drugs, do test amounts, and to never use...

Read more

Long-Term Care Home Surveillance Testing Complete in KFL&A

KFL&A Public Health is recognizing area long-term care homes and health care workers for their collaboration in making the COVID-19 long-term care home surveillance testing such a success. On April 29, 2020, KFL&A Public Health announced COVID-19 targeted surveillance testing for all residents and staff in the 12 long-term care homes in its jurisdiction. The testing is part of the provincial surveillance initiative to get a point-in-time picture of COVID-19 in long-term care homes. Locally the...

Read more

Long-Term Care Home Surveillance Testing in KFL&A

Kingston— KFL&A Public Health is collaborating with Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes in the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington area to assist with the implementation of the recently released Ontario Ministry of Health’s (MOH) enhanced testing guidelines to protect this vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MOH announcement included immediate proactive surveillance testing of all residents and staff in LTC Homes, regardless of symptoms. This enhanced testing is intended to...

Read more

One challenge at a time: Kingston to skip 2020 Commuter Challenge due to COVID-19

The committee that coordinates Commuter Challenge in Kingston has made the difficult, but necessary, decision to cancel the event this year, due to COVID-19.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce we are unable to proceed with the event in 2020. At this time, our efforts and resources are focused on flattening the curve and supporting our community during this pandemic,” said Peter Bearse, Registered Nurse with KFL&A Public Health, the agency that leads Commuter Challenge locally.

Each year,...

Read more

KFL&A Public Health Advocates to Prepare for Upcoming Influenza Season

KFL&A Public Health is concerned that COVID-19 will continue to be active and co-circulate with the beginning of our next influenza season. Every winter in Ontario, extra hospital beds and staff are needed to cope with influenza. While managing COVID-19 simultaneously, hospital admission, intensive care unit utilization and death rates may reach unprecedented levels.

To limit the combined impact of COVID-19 and influenza on our community and health care system, KFL&A Public Health is advocating...

Read more