COVID-19 case confirmed in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The City’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed by local public health officials late in the afternoon March 11.

Hamilton Public Health Services (PHS) has confirmed a 52-year-old male returning from New York City on March 5 showed symptoms and was subsequently tested. PHS is in the early stages of investigating the case which is anticipated to continue in the coming days. PHS contacts and works with the case to identify all people who require follow-up and reach-out to them directly. 

The case is travel-related and not related to the previously reported first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Halton Region. Upon returning home from travel, the male appropriately self-monitored, isolated himself and was subsequently assessed and tested on March 10. 

What the public should do

• Wash your hands often with soap and water;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;
• Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and,
• Get the flu shot, if you haven’t already done so.

A City of Hamilton media availability with Mayor Eisenberger and Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health, will be held today at City Hall at 1:15 pm, 71 Main St. W., second floor mezzanine.

Additional resources

• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline 905-546-2424 ext.7970  or [email protected]
• Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19

“The individual in question took appropriate steps by self-monitoring, isolating himself, seeking assessment and ultimately being tested. All respiratory precautions where followed and no one else was put at risk. The risk of contracting the virus is still low, but residents are encouraged to monitor this evolving situation.”- Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton

“With the first positive case of COVID-19 confirmed, I would like to ask all community members to stay informed of any updates from Hamilton Public Health by visiting hamilton.ca/coronavirus and continue to practice good hygiene. I have the utmost confidence in our public health, health care and first responders’ teams and will continue to work together to ensure the community is informed on this evolving situation as often as possible.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jen Recine
Communications
City of Hamilton
905-973-0592
[email protected]

Michelle Shantz
Communications and Media Advisor
Office of Mayor Fred Eisenberger
905-546-4225
[email protected]