Recent surges are attributed workplace transmissions
The local public health agency in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) is urging employers to implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy as it declared a community spread of the virus in the locality. The KFL&A Public Health said workers should provide employers proof of full vaccination or medical exemption. If not, they should face consistent testing and education sessions, Global News reported.
The health agency said local businesses should screen everyone working at their establishment, the same way patrons of select businesses are screened. The recommendations come as the KFL&A Public Health agency declared a community spread of the virus. In a media release, the health unit explained that a community spread takes place when a lot of COVID-19 cases and clusters cannot be accounted for by known exposures. Earlier, the agency attributed a surge of cases to people who’re still going to their workplaces even if they are sick, triggering transmissions in offices. Recent cases have also been attributed to individuals who have not been fully vaccinated, according to a memo from the agency.
"This surge is mainly driven by cases among individuals who have not been fully vaccinated, however, we have also noted transmission from vaccinated individuals with minor symptoms," said the memo obtained by Global News.
As local transmission takes place in the community, the health unit is urging the public to get vaccinated and follow other public health precautions such as limiting social gatherings, observing social distancing, and getting immediately tested and isolating when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
