City of Hamilton marks the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – Today marks the one-year anniversary of the first positive case of COVID-19 in our community. With flags flying at half-staff at all municipal facilities, the City of Hamilton is honouring those who lost their lives or were seriously affected by the virus.

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activated in a Level II on March 12, 2020, bringing trained staff from all areas of the organization into a structured emergency response approach. The EOC oversaw the shutdown of municipal facilities and programs and brought most city services online so residents could access them virtually. The EOC is still activated and will continue to be operational until the pandemic subsides.

To mark the one-year anniversary, the City is launching a new video series entitled “This is COVID-19”. The video series features 17 people from our community who have been touched by the COVID-19 virus in some way. The City will share one video per week over the next several weeks.

Video: How has COVID-19 affected you?

Tonight at 7 pm, Cable 14 will air a “COVID-19 Retrospective” – a look back at some of the most significant pandemic impacts from the last year. Hosted by EOC Director Paul Johnson, the episode also features interviews from:

• Mayor Fred Eisenberger
• Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health
• Grace Mater, Director, Children’s Services and Neighbourhood Development
• Dan McKinnon, General Manager, Public Works
• Debbie Dalle Vedove, Director of Transit

The episode will be shared on the City’s YouTube channel as well.

“In the year since the first COVID-19 positive case in our City, Hamiltonians have supported one another and shown the true meaning of community. There have been countless stories of compassion, selflessness and innovation and even with the pandemic bringing many difficult challenges, the kindness of individuals, businesses and groups I witnessed throughout this year makes me proud to have been your Mayor during this unprecedented time. Today, we remember and honour the lives we lost due to this virus and who were seriously affected. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones who lost a family member or friend.  Our fight continues, and we will overcome this virus. Until then, please continue to follow all public health and safety measures. Hamilton is resilient and will come out of this stronger than ever.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger

“The way staff, Council and our community have come together over the past year to respond to the pandemic, supporting one another, especially our most vulnerable residents, has me feeling an immense sense of pride. I am humbled by how a city can come together to protect the safety and well-being of its people, and I am honoured to serve as City Manager of the City of Hamilton. I look forward to someday when we can all come together again, safely, and experience all that our community has to offer, once again.” - Janette Smith, City Manager, City of Hamilton

“COVID-19 has impacted every member of our community – we cannot escape this tragic reality. My condolences to those who have lost a loved one and for all those who have been negatively affected by this global pandemic. As we mark one year of fighting this pandemic as a community, let us all continue in our commitment to protecting one another – stay home and get tested if you have symptoms, and continue following public health measures: physical distance, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently. A united Hamilton can beat this virus and vaccines for everyone who want one will ensure we as a community can come back stronger from this profoundly challenging time. Thank you to all Hamiltonians for your sacrifice and support of your neighbours.” - Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, Hamilton Public Health Services

“Our community has faced significant challenges over the past year, but I am so grateful and proud of the ways we have worked together to protect our community and provide support to our most vulnerable populations. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our response efforts to date – whether you’re doing your part to stop the spread of the virus by staying home and keeping your distance from those outside your household, or you’re working the frontlines of this emergency day in and day out – I sincerely thank you for doing your part.” - Paul Johnson, Director, Emergency Operations Centre, City of Hamilton  

Quick facts

• The Federal Government has designated March 11 a National Day of Observance for COVID-19, a day to commemorate lives lost and the significant impacts the virus has had on society.
• Since March 2020, nearly 11,000 Hamiltonians have been infected by COVID-19, including 289 deaths.
• Nearly 50,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Hamilton to date. Vaccination roll-out is based on the prioritization framework as determined by Provincial guidelines. Phasing and sequencing will continue to be released for additional categories as per the direction of the provincial government.

Additional Resources

• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• www.hamilton.ca/COVIDvaccines
• https://covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]