On Thursday, acting medical officer of health Dr. Hugh Guan confirmed that there’s been an increase in COVID-19 positive cases in young adults within the downtown core of Kingston. He is now advising those who are experiencing symptoms to get tested for COVID-19. He is also advising unimmunized or partially immunized individuals who have attended large gatherings in recent days to get tested regardless of symptoms.
“KFL&A Public Health’s investigations have revealed transmission is occurring during close, unprotected contact between individuals in social settings (including large gatherings) where physical distancing is limited, and face coverings are not being worn,” said Dr. Guan.
“The COVID-19 cases are rising quickly as they are being driven by the Delta COVID-19 variant, which is transmitted easily in social settings, can cause greater severity of disease, and impacts younger individuals who are not vaccinated.”
The medical officer of health also took the opportunity to discourage further large gatherings. “With the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 Delta variant, we urge young adults to act in a responsible and conscientious way by avoiding large gatherings and protecting others in our community by getting tested for COVID-19,” said Dr. Hugh Guan, Acting Medical Officer of Health of KFL&A Public Health.
The notice comes as 7 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Thursday, with several being the result of close contact.
Yesterday, a notice was also sent alerting the public that there has been a COVID-19 exposure at Trinity Restaurant. “KFL&A Public Health recommends that individuals who attended Trinity Social Restaurant on Saturday, September 4, 2021 between 8:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days,” wrote Public Health.
Under the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to:
• Get fully vaccinated.
• Avoid social gatherings, visiting others, or having others visit you and stay overnight.
• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with and wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces or any time physical distancing is not possible.
• If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 — stay home, isolate, and get tested early.
The COVID-19 assessment centre at the Beechgrove Complex at 51 Heakes Lane, Kingston. COVID-19 testing appointments are available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.”
To date, 85% of the KFLA population has received one dose of a vaccine and 78% have both doses. r
