City of Hamilton terminates COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

HAMILTON, ON - This morning, Mayor Fred Eisenberger, with the support of the City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), sent notice to the Province of Ontario terminating the municipal emergency declaration for the City of Hamilton that was first declared on April 17, 2020 in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The following updates and changes are in line with and as a result of the City’s termination of the COVID-19 emergency declaration:  

Status of the Emergency Operations Centre

The City’s EOC will remain active and mobilized, but will transition to a focus on monitoring the COVID-19 situation.

The final EOC update will be provided to members of the General Issues Committee (GIC) at the May 18, 2022 committee meeting. Moving forward, updates will be provided to GIC and the Board of Health as required.

Note that the EOC can reinstate regular operations if/as needed based on the health situation locally.

In-person Council Meetings and Advisory Committee Meetings

The City of Hamilton will transition to a hybrid model for Council meetings starting May 25, 2022, followed by standing committee meetings the week of May 30, 2022. Under this model, members of Council and the public are welcome to attend meetings in-person in Council chambers.

In-person Advisory Committee meetings will also resume starting the week of May 30, 2022. It is anticipated that full implementation of hybrid meetings for all Advisory Committee meetings may take some time due to staffing and IT logistics.

In-Person Public Engagement Activities

City-led public engagement initiatives, such as public open houses and public meetings, can resume in-person or in a hybrid manner starting May 25, 2022.

Masking Requirements for Staff

Mandatory masking requirements for all City staff will be lifted on May 25, 2022. Following the masking requirement being lifted, City staff will have the option wear masks in the workplace if they choose to do so.

In line with provincial orders, masking requirements remain in effect in select higher-risk indoor settings until at least June 11, 2022. These settings include health care settings, long-term care and retirement homes, shelters and other congregate living settings and on public transit.