COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - May 01, 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 9 am this morning, there are 432 confirmed cases, 7 probable cases, and 20 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.

City-Run Events and SEAT Event Cancellation

Today, the City of Hamilton announced that all City-run and SEAT (Special Event Advisory Team) events and facility bookings are cancelled through to July 2, 2020. The City will not take any new bookings through this period until there is a better sense of our re-opening plan. Event organizers and customers with facility bookings have been notified about these cancellations. Given this announcement includes the cancellation of Canada Day celebrations, staff are working on a plan for virtual Canada Day celebrations.

Fireworks Ban

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre has directed Hamilton’s Fire Chief not to issue permits for the sale or display of fireworks through to July 4, 2020. Further to this, by-law amendments regarding fireworks will be brought forward to Council in the next few weeks.

Economic Recovery Task Force

At their meeting on Wednesday, Council approved the establishment of an economic recovery task force related to the COVID-19 emergency. To begin, staff will develop and report back to Council with a terms of reference for the task force, which will help position the City for long term economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force will be made up of representatives from local business, labour, industry and the academic community.

Community Gardens

Late yesterday, Public Health posted safe operating guidelines for community gardens. As of today, community gardens are permitted to re-open as long as the comprehensive guidelines are adhered to, and the appropriate measures are put into place by the garden owners or coordinators.

Library PPE Content

Earlier today, the Hamilton Public Library released information about six community-minded organizations that are making much needed protective face shields for local health workers.

Hamilton Public Library, the City of Hamilton, Innovation Factory, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board and shop3D.ca are sourcing and printing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The finished face shields are distributed to local health organizations that most need PPE.

There are currently 30, 3D printers running 24/7 at Central Library, and more printers will be revving up soon. (Seven printers are from HPL's Makerspaces, one is from the City's Planning Department and 22 are on loan from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.) The Catholic School Board is printing at their location and delivering their product to Central. shop3D.ca is providing the pattern, as well as laser-cutting plastic shields for the face masks. 

As of May 1, there are 377 full masks printed, assembled and delivered. Hamilton Wentworth Catholic School Board teachers and the Library’s digital technology team are also printing surgical mask 'ear savers' which are packaged with the face shield components. Print times depend on the printer model, however each mask takes approximately 1.5 hours to print.

Transit Reminders

The City is reminding residents that public transit is for essential travel only. The public is asked to please not take public transit to pass some time during the day, transit is for essential trips only, such as going to work or a medical appointment. The public is also reminded to adhere to physical distancing measures and not sit in seats that have been blocked off to promote physical distancing.

Any residents experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or going to an assessment centre for testing should not use public transit. They are asked to contact the Public Health hotline for more information on appropriate transportation to the testing sites: 905-974-9848 or [email protected].

Reminder: City accepting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donations

The City continues to accept donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). The equipment will be provided to essential service workers. The City is accepting surgical masks, N95 masks, impervious gowns, gloves, face shields, swabs and sanitizer. We are 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.

Announcements from other levels of government

Earlier today, the Province announced that, while following proper health and safety guidelines, the following businesses will be permitted to begin operations on Monday, May 4, 2020:

• Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
• Lawn care and landscaping;
• Additional essential construction projects that include:
  • shipping and logistics; broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services; municipal projects; colleges and universities; child care centres; schools; and site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
• Automatic and self-serve car washes;
• Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
• Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
• Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

More information on the City’s website outlining the various financial supports available to help individuals and families experiencing challenges due to COVID-19: Visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/financial-support-individuals 

“I am proud that our community is doing what is necessary to flatten the curve. With nice weather on the way, we have to keep in mind that the COVID-19 virus is still in the community. Let’s not have all the sacrifices we’ve made so far to be for nothing and allow the gains we have made to be reversed. That means it is important that people continue to practice physical distancing and abide by the closures throughout the city. So stay close to home. Use greenspaces in your neighbourhood but only to go for a walk then return home. We will get through this pandemic. Until then, let’s continue to work together and flatten the curve.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Additional Resources

• For regular City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates, please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures
• For information about Hamilton Reopens, please visit www.hamilton.ca/reopens
• 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]
• Information about financial supports available from other levels of government to help individuals and families experiencing challenges due to COVID-19: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/financial-support-individuals
• Caring for our mental health during the COVID-19 emergency:
  • https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/taking-care-your-mental-health
  • http://ontario.cmha.ca/news/tips-to-manage-mental-health-during-covid-19/
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/taking-care-mental-health.html
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
  • COAST: 905-972-8338

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jasmine Graham
Senior Communications Officer
City of Hamilton
905-973-2829
[email protected]

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