COVID-19: Hamilton reports another COVID-19-related death, bringing the toll to 46

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Published September 23, 2020 at 1:04 pm

Hamilton’s COVID-19-related death toll has risen to 46.

Hamilton’s COVID-19-related death toll has risen to 46.

On Tuesday (Sept. 22), Hamilton’s Public Health Services (PHS) reported that an 83-year-old woman who passed away in hospital on Sunday (Sept. 20) was the city’s latest victim.

The woman travelled internationally, a City of Hamilton representative confirmed.

This is the first COVID-19-related death reported in Hamilton since the end of July.

Also, on Tuesday, PHS reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 from the day before.

The city’s total case count is now up to 1,089, with 972 cases having been resolved.

There are currently 71 active cases of the virus in the community at the moment.

Meanwhile, The City of Hamilton is encouraging residents who need to be tested for COVID-19 to schedule an appointment for the test instead of walking in.

While some of Hamilton’s testing centres welcome walk-ins, the number of people requiring tests has risen dramatically in recent weeks as school is back in session.

“Visits to testing centres have doubled in recent weeks to approximately 1000 people per day,” a press release issued Tuesday night from the City of Hamilton says.

“Yesterday, calls to Hamilton Public Health Services booking line jumped to 3000 calls, compared to approximately 1000 calls two weeks ago.”

The release notes that walk-ins will not be guaranteed a test and will likely end up having to book an appointment.

Since the start of the pandemic, Hamilton’s testing centres have completed 69,423 tests as of Tuesday.

To meet the increasing demand and to relieve phone lines, the City said that starting Friday (Sept 25) residents will be able to book appointments online.

How to book an appointment:

  • Book an appointment by calling Hamilton Public Health Services directly at COVID hotline at 905-974-9848.
  • Phone lines are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Booking lines are receiving more than 2,000 calls each day, so please be patient.
  • Voice messages can be left during this time and will be returned. Voice messages will not be accepted outside of business hours.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and PHS also open last week another testing centre to meet the increasing demand at St. Joe’s West 5th Campus.

Currently, this site operates in the evenings but starting Saturday, they will be booking appointments for testing between the hours of 1 pm and 7 pm.

“We are working to increase the volume of tests we can accommodate,” the release said.

“Due to the growing numbers of people seeking tests, the turnaround time for results is within seven days.”

For more information, visit the city’s COVID-19 website.

— with a photo from The Canadian Press

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