COVID-19 Update: Updates from the City of Hamilton - May 29, 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 am this morning, there are 667 confirmed positive cases, 7 probable cases, and 36 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” – NEW for May 29
Decorative Fountains
Municipal decorative fountains in Hamilton will begin opening next week. Residents should not enter the water or gather around the fountains.
Parking Lot at Johnson Tew Park Closed
While Johnson Tew Park will remain open, the City will be closing the parking lot at the park due to large crowds gathering and motorists using the parking lot to access Tew’s Falls. Residents are reminded that all waterfall and escarpment areas remain closed at this time. These are particularly difficult to physically distance in as their natural features and limitations mean that the trail systems are narrow. Further, there are natural gathering areas such as lookouts and trail head entrances that encourage gathering.
Other Reminders
New schedule for media briefing events
Beginning next week, the City’s weekly media briefing events will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:30 pm.
Regular Leaf and Yard Waste collection has resumed
The City resumed regular weekly leaf and yard waste collection this week. Leaf and yard waste will be collected on residents’ regularly scheduled waste collection day. Please be sure to place your leaf and yard waste at the curb by 7 am along with your garbage, recycling and green bins.
Public Health officials advise wearing face coverings
Public health officials began recommending this week that the public wear face masks when going out to run errands, attend medical appointments, taking transit, etc.
HSR Reminders
HSR is strongly encouraging customers to consider wearing a face covering when using public transit. It is not mandatory but can help protect others in spaces where physical distancing can be hard to maintain. The City wants to remind customers that transit continues to be for essential travel only. Operators are committed to providing a safe, reliable and professional service and will do their best to limit instances of over-crowding by monitoring the boardings of 10 or 15 customers the best they can, while safely operating buses. The public is reminded to adhere to the public health measures that have been put in place.
Announcements from Other Levels of Government
The federal government today announced new funding to provide critical support to Indigenous families and communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Today’s announcement builds on the $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund, and the $75 million provided for communities and organizations working with Indigenous peoples.
All commercial landlords in Ontario can now apply for rental assistance to help their small business tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The provincial government, in partnership with the federal government, launched the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. The province is committing $241 million to the program, which will provide more than $900 million in support for small businesses across Ontario. For more information, visit ontario.ca/rentassistance.
Today, the provincial government released the next phase of its COVID-19 testing plan, Protecting Ontarians Through Enhanced Testing, which includes three branches of testing including assessment centre testing, targeted campaigns and outbreak management.
“With the province expanding its COVID-19 testing plan, we will continue to follow their direction and play our role in expanding testing for the Hamilton community. I am pleased that locally our testing capacity has significantly increased. Appointments are required at our Hamilton assessment centres to decrease wait times, ensure an orderly flow, and to protect patients and staff by ensuring a safe physical space can be provided. Residents can receive an appointment time by calling their doctor or Hamilton Public Health Services’ Hotline. Thank you, Hamilton, for your ongoing efforts to keep our community safe during this time.”
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 phscovid19@hamilton.ca
- 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
Jasmine.Graham@hamilton.ca
Michelle Shantz
Communications and Media Advisor
Office of Mayor Fred Eisenberger
905-546-4225
michelle.shantz@hamilton.ca