COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - May 11, 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 a.m. this morning, there are 494 confirmed cases, 5 probable cases, and 24 deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

“Hamilton Reopens” reminders for May 11, 2020

On Friday, the City announced some small changes related to initial reopenings in Hamilton.

The public is reminded that even with these initial reopening announcements, Hamilton Public Health Services continues to recommend limiting activities to members of your own household to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and maintaining a physical distance of two metres from those outside of your household. As well, under the Provincial Emergency Order, residents are not permitted to gather in groups of more than five.

Other public health recommendations also still remain in place:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Avoid contact with people who are ill and their items.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.

At this time, the City’s Emergency Operations Centre is continuing to plan for more reopening announcements to come over the coming weeks and months.

Reopening reminders include:

1. Waterfront Trail - The Waterfront Trail between Confederation Park and the Burlington Lift Bridge has reopened.

2. City Parks - Examples of activities that are permitted in Hamilton’s parks in groups of up to five people or members from the same household include:

• Playing catch, kicking a ball,
• Letting young kids run around
• Walking or running on a track within a park
• Having a picnic or playing on the grass, your own lawn chair or a blanket
• Personal yoga practice (not a group class)
• Kite flying
• Personal fitness (push ups, sprinting, lunges, etc.)

Playground equipment, picnic benches, sports fields and other park equipment remain closed under the Provincial Emergency Orders. Escarpment stairs remain closed, as well as Albion Falls.

3. Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) rail trails - The Hamilton Conservation Authority has reopened the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail (Dundas), Dofasco 2000 Trail (Stoney Creek), Lafarge 2000 Trail (Flamborough), Chippewa Trail (Hamilton) and Canal Park Trails (Dundas). All visitors must follow emergency measures and guidelines. All amenities will remain closed. There is no vehicle access to conservation areas at this time. For more information, visit www.conservationhamilton.ca.

Provincial Announcements Easing Restrictions on Retail Stores

Last week, the Provincial Government announced that restrictions on some retail stores would be eased starting today. This includes:

• As of today, garden centres and nurseries were able to open for in-store payment and purchases, operating under the same guidelines as grocery stores and pharmacies.
• As of Saturday, May 9, hardware stores and safety supply stores are permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases.
• As of Monday, May 11, retail stores with street entrances can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in accordance with the Ministry’s Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and occupational health and safety requirements.

Other Announcements 

National Nursing Week
This week is National Nursing Week and the City would like to thank all nurses across our city for their dedication, compassion and for the sacrifices they have made while caring for our community, especially during the COVID-19 emergency. Please take a moment to thank a nurse and show your appreciation for all they do!

Announcements from other levels of government
The Federal government announced today the creation of a Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers. It was developed to help workers keep their jobs. The additional liquidity will allow Canada’s largest businesses (companies that make over $300 million) and their suppliers to remain active and position them for economic recovery.

“As we mark the beginning of National Nurses Week, I’d like to thank and recognize all of the nurses across our city for their dedication, compassion and sacrifices they’ve made while caring for our community. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, let’s thank a nurse in our lives and show our appreciation for all they do to keep us healthy and safe.”

- 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]