COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - Earlier today, Mayor Fred Eisenberger joined Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, and the City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director, Paul Johnson to update media and the community on the City’s response to COVID-19.

As of today, there are a total of 1,268 cases, an increase of 24 positive cases from yesterday, and 47 deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton.  We are also reporting that of the 1,268 cases, 1,099 or 87% are resolved. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

Advice for Thanksgiving Weekend

While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to gather and celebrate with our families and friends, it’s important that this year residents do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and not host or attend gatherings with those outside their immediate household.

Most of the new COVID-19 cases in Hamilton are being traced back to social gatherings where people are coming into close contact with each other, gathering indoors, sharing food, and not wearing masks. While these are the kind of gatherings we are all used to over the Thanksgiving weekend, this year we need to keep it small and gather with just those we usually live with. Consider celebrating this year in different ways than we’re used to:

• Connect with your family and friends virtually over a video call
• Meet up for a distanced hike outside. Remember to keep physically distant if you are not part of the same household and wear a mask if you can’t keep 2 metres (6 feet) apart.
• Share your thanks and gratitude with family and friends over social media

Most importantly, if you’re sick, stay home. Keep your distance from people you don’t live with. Wear a mask indoors or when maintaining physical distance is a challenge and wash your hands. Please, do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Waterfall Safety
As we look forward to the Thanksgiving long weekend, traditionally it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the fall colours at Hamilton’s trails and waterfalls. The City of Hamilton is working with the Hamilton Conservation Authority to implement new measures to ensure everyone can enjoy these areas safely. Before you head to the waterfalls, plan ahead and check www.conservationhamilton.ca for information on how to reserve your spot to visit. To limit the number of people gathering together, only visitors with reservations will be allowed entry. Thanksgiving weekend from October 9-12 is already fully booked at both Dundas Peak & Tew Falls and Webster Falls. Parking in the area outside of the parking lots could result in fines of $250.

Masks & Face Coverings
Last week, City Council approved a bylaw to require masks in common areas of hotels, motels, apartment buildings, condominiums and other multi-unit buildings or townhouse complexes (including those that permit short term rentals), such as lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms, or other common use facilities.

As a reminder, your mask or face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping. Plastic face shields that come from your chin or forehead do not meet the requirements under the by-law.

For those using the public transit system, we remind you that you should keep your mask on for your whole trip – not just when you’re getting ON the bus. If you need a mask, HSR is distributing non-medical masks at the HSR ticket counter at the Hunter Go Station during regular business hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Distribution is limited to one mask per person, while supplies last.

Provincial Offences Administration Offices  
Hamilton Provincial Offences has been notified that no in person court matters will occur for the remainder of 2020. Notifications will be issued once in person court matters resume. New court dates will be available at  www.ontario.ca/ticketsandfines once they are scheduled

Reminder: Presto and Paper Fare Media
HSR is phasing out paper tickets and paper monthly passes. Customers can buy and use a paper monthly pass until October 2020, buy tickets until October 31, 2020 and use them until December 31, 2020. PRESTO E-Tickets are now available for HSR customers. Download the PRESTO E-Tickets app on an iOS or Android phone to buy single-ride adult, senior, child, or youth tickets.

More information: www.hamilton.ca/hsr

“With Thanksgiving weekend upon us, it is important to remember that the safest way to celebrate is to keep your gatherings to those within your household. With cases of COVID-19 on the rise in Hamilton, it’s important for us to forego the large family gatherings and find different, creative and safe ways to celebrate the season. Each of us remains the first line of defence against this virus so please continue do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while protecting your loved ones, friends and our community.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Additional Resources

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