Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston has confirmed that there is an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within two units at its base. They are now working closely with the 33 Canadian Forces Health Services Center to adapt their risk mitigation measures in response to the increase in cases in the region.
“Preserving the protection of the Force for the members of our Defense Team is paramount, and all measures are being taken to mitigate the risk within the base,” said Capt. Soomin Kim, Public Affairs Officer, Force Base. Canadians in Kingston.
The mitigation measures in force with immediate effect are the following:
1. Restrict all social or work gatherings on the base.
2. Restrict all indoor group fitness activities.
3. Provide hotel-like accommodation to affected members as an isolation facility.
4. Compliance with all Provincial Public Health Measures.
However, essential services that require the presence of the base will continue to comply with the strict COVID-19 health and safety protocol.
According to information shared by CFB Kingston, the people affected are military, but for privacy reasons, no further details about those affected could be shared. Also, according to the national leadership, CFB also does not provide COVID-19 numbers broken down by base / units locally. COVID-19 cases among CAF members are reported to the provincial public health authority.
As of December 6, 2021, the total number of active, resolved and total COVID-19 cases within the CAF population in the Nacional level regardless of location they are:
- All current active cases: 13
- All cases resolved: 2,162
- Total of all positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic: 2,175
- Accumulated Advancement Cases: 248
These numbers are expected to be updated on Monday, December 13.
Captain Kim reiterated that all COVID-19 cases diagnosed through the support of the provincial laboratory would automatically be included in the provincial and national case counts.
He also shared that the vaccination rate against COVID-19 is very high among members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). As of December 8, 2021, more than 96% of eligible CAF members had received their first dose and 94% were fully vaccinated.
Lastly, Captain Kim also conveyed that “CFB Kingston is still operationally ready and ready to respond where and when the government needs us to help protect Canadians.”
Reference-ygknews.ca