COVID-19 Update: Masking remains in some high-risk settings in Hamilton beyond June 11

HAMILTON, ON – Further to the province’s announcement this week that most of the remaining provincial COVID-19 masking requirements, including on public transit, will end as of June 11, 2022, the City of Hamilton is sharing some updates with respect to some City services:

Long-Term Care and other congregate settings

Masking in long-term care and retirement homes will remain provincially required until further notice. Therefore, masking will continue to be required for staff and visitors for the foreseeable future at all long-term care and retirement homes in the city, including the City of Hamilton’s Macassa and Wentworth lodges. The province also recommends continued masking in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.

Transit

Masking requirements on HSR will end as of June 11, however masks will continue to be welcome on board our buses. Mask requirements for customers and drivers on accessible transportation vehicles (DARTS) will remain in place until further notice out of an abundance of caution. Transit customers are reminded to stay home if they are feeling ill, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes with their sleeve or tissue, and be respectful of customers and staff who may choose to continue wearing a mask.

Paramedics

The Hamilton Paramedic Service will be aligning its masking approach with that of our local hospitals as that is determined. Paramedics staff in the meantime will continue to mask while providing patient care.

At this time, the City’s EOC remains activated, and Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) and the EOC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation for any significant changes, including any new variants of concern, to ensure we continue to adapt to protect the health and safety of the public and staff.

The City continues to promote the benefits of public health measures to help protect against the virus, including getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with vaccines, including third and fourth doses when available, and staying home if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

For more information about the City’s response to COVID-19, visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus.