In response to rising COVID-19 prevalence in southeastern Ontario, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has re-introduced masking in several key patient care areas, effective immediately. Masks are now mandatory in the Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centre and the Children’s Outpatient Clinic and are strongly recommended on other units managing patients at high-risk.
Throughout the pandemic, KHSC’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team has monitored local COVID-19 community prevalence markers including COVID-19 test positivity, outbreaks in congregate living settings, and wastewater detection. After falling to three per cent earlier this summer, test positivity is now approaching 10 per cent in southeastern Ontario.
Further control measures will be re-introduced should local COVID-19 markers continue to rise in Kingston. Escalating control measures continues to be part of KHSC’s respiratory response plan.
To help reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting COVID-19, KHSC encourages everyone who is eligible to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, get an annual flu shot, practice regular handwashing, wear a mask and stay home when sick.
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