COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - Apr. 02, 2020

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

As of noon today, there are 127 confirmed cases and two deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

The public is reminded to stay home as much as possible. If you must go out, please practice physical distancing and maintain 2m or 6ft between yourself and others at all times.

Supports from other levels of government

Last week, the province announced its $200 million Social Services Relief Fund in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a shared initiative between the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. It will help protect the health and safety of the province’s most vulnerable people, through assistance to individuals and front line agencies. The funding will help address local housing and food security needs as a result of COVID-19. The City of Hamilton will be receiving $6.8M in fiscal year 2020-2021. The City’s priorities are access to food and the shelter system. 

Reminder: Ongoing Municipal closures/cancellations to May 25, 2020

The public is reminded that the City is suspending all City-run programming and extending the closure of all City administration facilities, playgrounds, sports fields, City golf courses, dog parks, skate parks, the Bayfront Park boat launch, waterfall locations, several parking lots in high traffic areas in the city, and the escarpment stairs until May 25, 2020. In the interest of public health and safety, the public is reminded NOT to use any closed areas or remove any City closure equipment at any time. The City thanks the community for their cooperation.

The City remains prepared to respond to emergencies. Emergency response by Hamilton Police, the Hamilton Fire Department, and the Hamilton Paramedic Service is not impacted.

The public can still conduct some business with the City online during this time: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/online-city-services.

We will continue to monitor federal and provincial orders between now and May 25. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s website and social media channels for ongoing updates.

Gatherings enforcement

The City’s Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) division and the Hamilton Police Service continue to monitor for compliance of the provincial emergency order issued last weekend under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five (5) people. The MLE will use a progressive enforcement approach if they do not obtain compliance or there is a repeated offence, and charges may be laid. Fines of up to $750 per individual may be applied, while corporations could face fines up to $500,000.

To report concerns about adherence to the provincial order:

• Concern about a local business or public gatherings of 5+ people, without physical distancing: 905-546-2489 (546-CITY)
• Business not following proper hygiene: 905-974-9848
• Inquiring if a business is essential: 1-888-444-3659
• Price-gouging reporting: 1-800-889-9768

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donations

The City is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide much-needed resources for the city-wide response to COVID-19. The equipment will be provided to frontline workers, emergency responders and other healthcare professionals. The City is accepting surgical masks, N95 masks, impervious gowns, gloves, face shields, swabs and sanitizer. Requesting these items from local healthcare providers, pest control, hospitality providers, nail salons and construction companies. Homemade equipment will not be accepted. To donate, please email [email protected] or call 905-546-2424 ext. 2257 and make an appointment for drop-off at a location in downtown Hamilton.

Public Transit (HSR)

See today’s media release for important updates that impact service starting Friday, April 3, 2020: https://www.hamilton.ca/government-information/news-centre/news-releases/covid-19-hsr-service-update

Additional Resources

• For regular City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates, please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures
• Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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