Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on extension of Declaration of Emergency, continued closure of City facilities to the public and delayed programming

HAMILTON, ON – The Ontario Government has extended its Declaration of Emergency to stop the spread of COVID-19 an additional two weeks to April 13. The City of Hamilton is in a State of Emergency by virtue of the provincial order and therefore the state of emergency is likewise extended in our community for the same period.

City council met March 20 and provided delegated authority to staff in order to manage the COVID-19 emergency situation and to maintain vital city services that keep our community healthy and safe.

The City has now suspended all City-run programming and extended the closure of all City facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and City administration facilities until May 25. Emergency response by Hamilton Police, the Hamilton Fire Department, and the Hamilton Paramedic Service is not impacted.

Enhanced measures are now in place to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. I encourage all Hamiltonians to abide by the recommendations of our health experts by staying home.

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.

Please continue to follow the advice of our public health teams and remember to wash your hands with soap and water, disinfect frequently used items and surfaces and cough or sneeze into your arm to help prevent the spread of the virus. For City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates, please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures or call Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline at 905-974-9848 or email [email protected].

Visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

To our front-line health care workers, first responders, supply chain and other imperative service workers, you are true superheroes. On behalf of all Hamiltonians, thank you.

I am proud of what our community is doing to help us overcome this crisis. Each of you are the first line of defense against the spread of COVID-19. With your proactive actions to prevent further spread, our health care system will be successful in treating everyone who is sick and in need of care.

Do your part and stay home, Hamilton. With your cooperation, we can help flatten the curve and get through this together.

CONTACT:

Michelle Shantz
Communications and Media Relations
Office of Mayor Fred Eisenberger
905-546-4225
[email protected]