COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - May 04, 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 451 confirmed cases, 7 probable cases, and 21 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.

Mental Health Week

Today is the beginning of Mental Health week. Mental illness is experienced by one in three Canadians during their lifetime, affecting people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures. During these particularly challenging times, the impacts of COVID-19 are placing an even greater strain on the mental health of residents.

If you, or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call:

• COAST at 905-972-8338
• Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Or, text CONNECT to 686868

Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for more information.

City Flower Beds & Traffic Islands

City horticulture crews began work to prepare municipal garden beds and traffic islands today. It is anticipated that approximately 70 per cent of traffic islands will still be planted with flowering plants this year. Planting for these flowers will begin in late May.

Community Gardens

Last week, the City posted safe operating guidelines for community gardens. Community gardens are now permitted to re-open as long as the comprehensive Public Health guidelines are adhered to, and the appropriate measures are put into place by the garden owners or coordinators.

City-Run Events and SEAT Event Cancellation

Last week, 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.

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

Today, the Federal Government announced $240.5 million to develop, expand and launch virtual care and mental health tools. This funding will be used to create digital platforms and applications, improve access to virtual mental health supports, and expand capacity to deliver health care virtually. These supports will also help ease the burden on our health care system, as we continue to deal with COVID-19.

Also today, the Federal Government announced the launch of the Coronavirus Global Response, an online pledging event that aims to initially raise more than $8 billion (USD) to help researchers and innovators develop solutions to test, treat, and protect people, and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19

As well, the Prime Minister announced that families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will get $300 extra per child in May to help deal with the added pressures of COVID-19. Eligible families will automatically receive this one-time increase as part of their scheduled CCB payment in May. Those who already receive the CCB do not need to re-apply for this one-time increase. This increase will deliver almost $2 billion in extra support across the country to help families with the high cost of taking care of their kids during this challenging period.

The provincial government announced the extension of emergency benefits for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients until the end of July 2020.

“Mental Health Week is a timely reminder that, during these challenging times, taking care of our mental health is as important as our physical health. You are not alone if you are having feelings of stress, anxiety or frustration. If you, or someone you know, is struggling or in crisis, call Crisis Outreach and Support (COAST) Hamilton at 905-972-8338 or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Let’s continue to look out for our friends, family and neighbours and encourage them to ask for help if they need it. We’re all in this together.”

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]