COVID spread continues in region, and some patients are getting sicker

(This article was updated on November 9, at 3:50pm)

126 COVID cases in KFL&A since November 1, 13 in South Frontenac alone.

There were 65 new cases of COVID in KFL&A between November 6 and 8, and 14 more were announced on Tuesday.

Alarmingly, of the 126 active cases in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, 5 patients are now hospital, and two are in intensive care.

The demographics of the cases that were confirmed since November 1st show a high number (22) are 9 and under, but the older cohorts are seeing a larger spike. 34 in the 18-29 range have tested positive, there are 28 cases among 30-39 year olds,15 in the 40-49 year old cohort, 50-59-10, and 60-9 – 11. There are 2 cases among 70-79 year olds, and one patient is over 80.

The rate per 100,000 population is approaching 50, and the positive testing rate is just over 2%. These are the most drastic numbers in this region since at least May, and maybe for the entire pandemic.

And the regional COVID uptick is continuing to have an impact in South Frontenac

Perth Road Public School has been hit with an outbreak that has now resulted in 8 cases. On November 1, a staff member tested positive, and this was followed by positive tests for three students on November 2, and one additional student case on November, a further case on November 4, and two new cases on November 6.  Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health (KFLAPH) has dismissed a total of 7 school cohorts and one bus cohort, but the school has remained open as of the morning of November 9. Visitors to the school are restricted.

Between November 1 and November 9, a total of 13 cases were reported in South Frontenac, the majority of which stemmed from the Perth Road School outbreak.

The case rate in South Frontenac has now hit 70 per 100,000, the highest in the region save for the City of Kingston.

Under the old colour coded system, KFL&A would now be in the orange range.

During a media call last week, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza said that the rate of infection among those who are un-vaccinated in the region is four times higher than the rate for those who are vaccinated.

According to KFL&A figures, the lowest rate of vaccination of the eligible population (12 and over) is among the 30-34 year old population (70% fully vaccinated – 74% one dose) followed closely by those who are 20-29 (71% fully vaccinated - 75.6% on dose)

The overall vaccination rate in KFL&A is up to 86.3% of eligible residents fully vaccinated, and 89.8% with a first dose. At the current pace, the first dose rate should hit the provincial target of 90% by late next week, but it will likely be at the end of 2021 or early in 2022 before 90% of KFL&A residents are fully vaccinated.

In fact, over the last two weeks, third dose vaccinations have become more prevalent in the region than either first or second doses.