Variants of Concern are Cause of Over 40 Per Cent of New COVID-19 Cases in KFL&A

Kingston— Today Dr. Moore has confirmed that 42.1 per cent of cases reported within KFL&A in the last 7-day period ending on March 18 are variants of concern and provincially, Ontario is reporting 2380 new cases, a sharp rise in total cases with an average provincial variant positivity of 49.1 per cent (same time period).

Variants of concern spread more easily from person to person and may be associated with changes in both severity of illness and death. 

“With more variants of concern being detected daily in our area, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and adhere to the public health strategies that have been put in place,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “Together, we will protect in our community, keep our schools and economy safe and open, and prevent an impact on our emergency medical services and hospital resources.”

KFL&A Public Health recommends adherence to these strategies.

• Access asymptomatic testing if you have travelled or had visitors from outside our region to detect positive COVID-19 cases early.
• Isolate for at least 10 days if a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 and isolate for at least 14 days if a high risk contact, including any household contacts. Variants of concern are more infectious; the province now recommends individuals around someone exposed to this virus should stay home. Refer to the Section 22 Class Order to enforce self-isolation requirements in KFL&A region for more information on how to safely self-isolate.
• Have no more than 5 people in social gatherings indoors and outdoors within the City of Kingston as per The Section 22 Class Order to limit social gatherings, including recreational activities such as functions, parties, dinners, or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, or parks, that are not monitored or staffed by a business or organization.  

The continued efforts of individuals and families to stay home, stay local, limit close contact to your household (the people you live with), get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and to not travel unless for essential purposes will help keep the number of positive cases low in our area and help our community stay safe until vaccines are available to all.

For the most up to date information visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario.

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