COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - Jan. 18, 2021

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 9 am this morning, there are a total of 8219 cases, an increase of 102 positive cases from yesterday, and 220 total deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton.  We are also reporting that of the 8219 cases, 6788 or 82.6% are resolved, resulting in 906 active cases. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

REMINDER: Wearing masks for outdoor recreation activities
The City of Hamilton is asking residents to wear their masks or face coverings while participating in outdoor activities at several City recreation locations. Residents are requested to wear masks or face coverings while using:

• Outdoor skating rinks (City rinks and community rinks)
• City playgrounds and play structures
• City tobogganing hills
• Escarpment stairs

Signs will be posted in these locations next week. Residents are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering in any situation where it is not possible to maintain 2m or 6ft of physical distance (such as walking on narrow trails).

Wearing a mask or face covering is an additional measure we can take to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and keep each other safe. Currently, wearing a mask or face covering is required in enclosed public spaces under City of Hamilton By-Law 20-155(PDF, 83.42 KB) and City of Hamilton By-law 20-202. The mask or face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping.

Re-opening isolation shelter
In response to COVID-19 cases in the shelter system the City is reopening the isolation shelter at Bennetto Recreation Centre later this week to ensure there is appropriate isolation capacity within the shelter system if required. The capacity at this location is a maximum of 25 individuals and is only for those who have been assessed and referred there by shelter and health officials with a need to self-isolate to help prevent the spread of disease. The City is grateful to the North End community for their ongoing support of this response. 

In March 2020 the City opened an emergency isolation shelter at Bennetto Recreation Centre to allow users of the shelter system who had tested positive for COVID-19 a place to safely isolate if they were required to do so. The centre was decommissioned in late July and Wesley took over operation of an isolation shelter elsewhere downtown.

Winterfest Impacts
Hamilton Winterfest 2021 is making the shift to a virtual festival and bringing the community more than 50 unique opportunities to engage online, on a walk, or in your home. With amazing partners like the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Factory Media Arts Centre, Hamilton Fringe Festival and many more, there’s something for everyone. This year’s virtual event will take place between January 29 and February 15, 2021. Check out the events calendar and download our digital magazine packed with ideas for Winter fun at www.hamiltonwinterfest.ca or on your favourite social media platform.

Hamilton launches second COVID-19 business survey
Today, the City of Hamilton, in partnership with Workforce Planning Hamilton launched its second digital survey, the 2021 Business Impact and Workplace Needs Survey, to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local business community.

In collaboration with the Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and Flamborough Chambers of Commerce and Hamilton’s 13 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), we are endeavoring to reach as many business owners/operators in the community as possible.

Feedback is being gathered starting this week until Sunday, February 14, 2021. Information collected will guide the development and implementation of activities, programs and initiatives to assist and support businesses in our community, uncover important local labour force data, trends and opportunities, strengthen our awareness of current local issues to help target our advocacy efforts with higher levels of government and help guide and finalize the City of Hamilton's 2021-2025 Economic Development Action Plan.

To take the survey visit: www.investinhamilton.ca

This action is a follow-up to the April 2020 COVID Business Impact Survey, and a recommended action from the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery. 

“Despite our best efforts, COVID-19 continues to spread and we must work together to break this deadly trend of transmission. In addition to following the recommendations from our public health team, it is critical community members stay home as much as possible. The provincial stay-at-home orders are just that: orders, and not recommendations. Thank you to everyone who is doing their part by only going out for essentials and staying home. Please do not give up Hamilton, we can and will get through this.”

- Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Additional Resources

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