Hamilton COVID-19 cases up to 91; city addresses huge increase over past few days
Published March 30, 2020 at 9:17 pm
In a press conference today the city confirmed that there are now 91 positive cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon, March 30.
This is up from the previously reported number of 70 cases.
In a press conference today the city confirmed that there are now 91 positive cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon, March 30.
This is up from the previously reported number of 70 cases.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson acknowledged a significant increase in the number of cases reported over the past couple of days, but says this increase is due to the Public Health Lab now being able to run more tests.
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According to Richardson, the Public Health Lab initially had challenges with testing due to restrictions on required chemicals.
“They’ve now been able to run more tests, so we’re seeing a lot of those tests that were pent up now come through the system with results,” Richardson said.
Richardson says they’re up-to-date and getting back to tested residents with results, but acknowledges that it may have been as many as 10 days for some residents to get their results back. Some cases date back to March 9 as the reported date that the resident became ill.
“You can expect to continue to see those numbers rise at a more significant rate as that backlog goes through.”
The city reports one additional case in the homeless population that is currently being investigated. The affected individual is now in the isolation shelter.
Richardson says there is still just one outbreak at a long-term care facility in Hamilton. At Heritage Green Nursing Home, there are now 17 residents and 10 staff members who are ill. One of the home’s residents passed away on March 24.
“You can see the impacts that these outbreaks can have in long-term care homes and why it is just so important that we work hard to keep the virus out of any of these places,” she said.
The city is seeing an increase in the number of cases where the virus was spread within the community — 21 so far of the total 91 cases.
Residents are being advised to continue practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible. Additionally, the city will close access to parking in certain non-essential areas where residents would be encouraged to travel.
According to Mayor Fred Eisenberger, residents should be prepared to continue these practices for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 crisis is not expected to be resolved anytime soon.
“This is not an item that will go away in a couple of weeks. It may very well be a few months,” he said.
An update on city facilities possibly having their closures extended will be announced tomorrow, March 31.
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