Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health Orders Restaurants, Bars and Nightclubs to Close Immediately

HAMILTON, ON – Effective immediately, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, is asking all Hamilton bars, restaurants, theatres and nightclubs to close immediately to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.  This also aligns with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s announcement this morning that Ontario is now under a State of Emergency. 

The closures are expected to remain in place for at least two weeks.  Restaurants are encouraged to continue providing take-out and delivery options which will limit the social interactions between people while continuing to provide food service to the community.

Many Hamilton restaurants and coffee shops have already closed voluntarily to do their part to encourage social distancing and others are advised to follow their example.  Businesses that fail to comply with this direction immediately today, will be issued orders under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, as appropriate.

Additional Resources

• For regular City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates, please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures
• 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]

Everyone in Hamilton needs to do their part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.  This decision is necessary to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases and spread to protect our family, our friends, the elderly and those with health issues.   We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of this virus and with today being St. Patty’s Day, which typically involves large gatherings and celebrations, I strongly encourage you to celebrate in moderation at home, and practice social distancing to protect yourself and others in our community. - Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelly Anderson
Communications – Public Health Services
City of Hamilton
905-973-4230
[email protected]