The COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has been identified in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington region.
The identified individual does not have a travel history.
Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health continues to investigate the COVID-19 case to identify transmission.
KFL&A Public Health has been notified of the whole genome sequencing results of a sample from an individual positive for COVID-19.
The sequencing confirms that the newly identified Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is present.
Medical Officer of Health Dr.Piotr Oglaza says, “Please be diligent and continue to adhere to public health measures leading into the holiday season.”
You can read the release from KFL&A, in part, below;
On Wednesday, KFL&A Public Health has been notified of the whole genome sequencing results of a sample from an individual positive for COVID-19. The sequencing confirms that the newly identified Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is present in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington region. At this time, the individual identified with the Omicron variant does not have a travel history. KFL&A Public Health continues to investigate the COVID-19 case to identify transmission.
KFL&A says it is important that we remember to continue to work together, stay vigilant, and follow the public health measures to keep COVID-19 from spreading in KFL&A.
This includes:
• Get fully vaccinated when you are eligible to help protect those most vulnerable.
• Screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily.
• Stay home, isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms, even mild.
• Avoid social gatherings.
• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with and wear a mask in indoor spaces.
• Consider curbside pick-up, delivery, or alternate hours for shopping, especially if you are at a higher risk for illness.
“Please be diligent and continue to adhere to public health measures leading into the holiday season. The continued efforts of individuals and families to limit or avoid social gatherings, screen daily for symptoms and stay home if you have any symptoms will help our community limit the spread of Omicron,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health.
This new Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first detected in Ontario in early December and first discovered in South Africa.
For the most up to date information visit Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario.
