Hamilton Paramedic Service declares COVID-19 outbreak

HAMILTON, ON - The City of Hamilton is advising residents that a workplace outbreak has been declared at Hamilton Paramedic Service – Limeridge Base after three employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

Hamilton Public Health Services notified Hamilton Paramedic Service and the City of the outbreak late yesterday. The employees are currently self-isolating and Public Health Services are in the process of completing contact tracing to ensure all close contacts also self-isolate. The City extend best wishes to the employees for a speedy recovery.

The employees last worked at the Hamilton Paramedic Service – Limeridge Base between Monday, December 28, 2020 and Friday, January 1, 2021. Although the employees followed all proper usage for personal protective equipment (PPE) and there is not believed to be any unprotected contact with the public, the City is advising residents out of an abundance of caution.

Hamilton Public Health Services will connect directly with anyone who is considered a close contact of these cases as part of their contact tracing.

A deep clean of the Hamilton Paramedic Service – Limeridge Base location will be conducted. There will be no interruption to service and/or operations.  

The City has put a number of measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our employees. This includes the requirement for all City employees and the public to complete COVID-19 health screening prior to entering any City facility.

It is important for residents to stay diligent and continue to practice public health management measures in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our community. These measures include:

• Washing hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Staying home, except for essential purposes, such as going to work, school, grocery shopping, medical appointments and outdoor exercise.
• Getting tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild.
• Keeping a physical distance of at least two metres from others, unless they are household members.
• Wearing a mask or face covering indoors, and outdoors if it is difficult to maintain a physical distance from others or if wearing one is required.
• Taking extra precautions if people are elderly or have chronic health conditions.
• Downloading the COVID Alert App.

For more information about protecting yourself from COVID-19, visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus.

If you have any questions about COVID-19, please consult the Hamilton Public Health COVID-19 Hotline at 905-974-9848 or [email protected].