Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on COVID-19

HAMILTON, ON – With cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) emerging locally, the City has initiated our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at a Level II activation. Activation of the EOC brings key staff together to provide support and resources to this emergency. 

I have been in touch with staff in the EOC throughout the last couple of days on some important decisions for our residents. This is an ever-changing situation with major changes happening quickly including last night with the school boards closing for two weeks after March break, the recent travel announcements from the federal government and Canada Public Health recommending the cancellation of large gatherings.

We will continue to monitor and respond to this rapidly evolving situation to ensure we are providing the best support possible to the community as we work together to find our way through this challenging time.

We know you are worried about your health, about your families' health, about your job about school cancellations. We will get through this together.

In these uncertain times, we must ensure we support each other and our community. When shopping for supplies, please take only what you need to ensure everyone has access to products that are needed most.

I have the utmost confidence in our public health teams, health care professionals and first responders: paramedics, fire and police, as well as our staff in the EOC, all of whom have been working around the clock on this issue. My sincere thanks to each and every one of them for their ongoing hard work.

Please continue to follow the advice of our public health teams and remember to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. Please visit Hamilton.ca/coronavirus for more information or call Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline 905-546-2424 ext.7970 or email [email protected].