COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - Aug. 25, 2020

HAMILTON, ON - Earlier this afternoon, the City of Hamilton held a virtual media scrum regarding the COVID-19 response in Hamilton. Media were invited to the scrum to hear brief remarks from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, the City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director, Paul Johnson, and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson.

As of 9 a.m. this morning, there are a total of 974 cases, an increase of 3 positive case from yesterday (965 confirmed positive cases, 9 probable cases), and 45 deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton.  We are also reporting that of the 974 cases, 866 or 89% are resolved. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

Phase Three Announcement

Today, the City of Hamilton announced that we are entering Phase Three of the Hamilton Reopens COVID-19 recovery plan. Hamilton will be in Phase Three for a while – it is our “new reality” – and we will be here until a COVID-19 vaccine or other treatments are available and are in widespread use.

During Phase Three, the City will continue our focus on delivering municipal services in a safe and responsible manner, while the risk of COVID-19 remains in our community. We will reopen more municipal spaces and continue implementing measures to enable physical distancing and health screening of those visiting our spaces. As well, we’ll focus on bringing more municipal services, recreation programming and events back online with a safe and phased approach.

Residents can learn more about what is planned to reopen in Phase Three at www.hamilton.ca/reopens

Recreation Programming Updates

Also today, the City is announcing the reopening of additional recreational facilities and restart of some swimming and other recreational programming.

Beginning September 14, the City will restart more swimming programming, including open swims for families and seniors. We will also begin open gym programming.

On October 5, we will restart some modified swimming lessons, sports and fitness programs, general interest and preschool programs and select rentals of recreation spaces.

More information on the reopening of Senior Centres and clubs will follow in the next few weeks.

Arenas Update
The City is continuing to work with user groups of arenas to determine the demand for ice time and finalize the plan for reopening arenas. Many of the organizations working out of municipal arenas are still developing their plans for participants and membership of their sporting groups, and for volunteer support. The City is making arrangements to reopen some additional arenas in September and October for ice user groups at Chedoke Twin Pad, Harry Howell, Morgan Firestone, Rosedale, Inch Park, Bill Friday, Glanbrook and Grightmire arenas.

Public skating won’t be available until the new year as we focus on the getting our team sports and ice users back to play

Provincial Offences Administration Office reopen for counter service
On Monday, August 24, the Provincial Offences Administration Office reopened for counter service. Some Provincial Offences administered by the City of Hamilton are:

• Highway Traffic Act charges such as speeding, careless driving, Hand held communication device
• Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act charges
• Trespass to Property Act charges
• Liquor Licence Act charges
• Municipal By-laws
• Other statutes

Residents are encouraged to continue paying fines or filing court documents online, however, in-person counter service is now available at the Provincial Offences Administration Office at 50 Main St. E.  The building will resume normal hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit www.hamilton.ca/POA for more information.

“I am pleased the City will begin Phase Three of Hamilton Reopens starting today. This is a great step forward in our journey to reopen municipal spaces and restart City services. Phase Three will see us continue implementing measures to enable physical distancing and health screening of people visiting these spaces. Thank you, Hamilton, for continuing to follow public health recommendations to help prevent the spread of the virus in 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]