Increased Risk for COVID-19 in KFL&A Region

Kingston— As of Monday, April 12, KFL&A Public Health is monitoring 135 active cases of COVID-19, as well as over 580 high-risk contacts in the community. Our local data indicates that COVID-19 cases are at the highest levels to date, confirming the upward surge of the variants of this virus in our community with an incidence rate of 54.9 per 100,000 (red-protect level) and 1.56 % positivity (orange-restrict level).

“The vast majority of this sharp rise in cases are in younger people, aged 18 to 29 years of age; however, everyone must strengthen their efforts to contain its spread,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “This increased level of COVID-19 activity impacts and threatens our health and lives as variants of the virus double the risk of someone being admitted to intensive care—and increase the risk of death by roughly 60 per cent.”

KFL&A Public Health’s investigations have revealed transmission is occurring during close, unprotected contact between individuals in work settings (including outdoors) and social gatherings where physical distancing is limited, and face coverings are not being worn.

“We are relying on businesses and workplaces in KFL&A to enforce public health regulations—and for staff to follow regulations especially limiting close contact to those in your household and wearing proper personal protective equipment at all times in the workplace setting,” added Dr. Moore.

If our community is safe our schools will be safe to continue in-person learning. It is important that we remember that we are all in this together. The continued efforts of individuals and families to

follow the public health measures will help lower cases and help our community stay safe until vaccines are available to all.

• Stay home
• Limit trips outside your home to necessities
• Limit your close contact to those in your household
• Stay local and avoid travel outside the KFL&A region
• Stay 2 metres apart from others outside your household
• Wear face coverings and proper personal protective equipment when unable to physically distance whether indoors and outdoors
• Work from home, if possible
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19

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