Hamilton sees highest daily rate of new COVID-19 infections since start of pandemic

Hamilton is seeing COVID-19 infect more new people each day than it ever did during the pandemic.

With 111 new COVID-19 cases in Hamilton during the long weekend, there are now an average of 25 new cases every day in the last week,eclipsing the first wave's rateof infection.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he's "very concerned" the city may have to reinstate restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus.

"We are more prepared, that's true, but these case numbers are climbing and the impacts of whatever may have occurred over Thanksgiving may lead to higher numbers as well," he said.

Eisenberger added that acomplete shutdown woulddevastate the economy.

"Many small businesses out there tell me if there's another shutdown they won't survive. They survived the first one by taking advantage of some of the resources out there but they've tapped out those resources already and there's really not a second wave opportunity for them to survive it," he said on Tuesday.

This followsa provincial move toslow the spread of COVID-19 by moving away from "social circles" and only interacting with people in their household. The provincealsoimposedstricter measures to three hot spots on Friday.

"I'm just praying we don't have to expand this," Ford saidat the Ontario'sdaily briefing on Tuesday.

"Everyone just keep following the protocols and let's get these numbers down."

The primary waysto stopthe spread have remained relatively unchanged wash your hands, stay two metres away from people, wear a mask,avoid unnecessary trips to areas with other people and don't leave your home if you feel sick.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city's medical officer of health, said some of the new COVID-19 spread is a product of people ignoring the advice.

"We are unfortunately seeing some people going out even if they're feeling symptomatic, even if they've gone to get tested, still participating in things," she said.

"We are also seeing people that are not using public health measures, they may not be using their masks, may not be using physical distancing ... it's up to all of us."

She included examples of patrons in restaurants not using masks during the entirety of their stay, rather than just removing their mask when they are eating or drinking.

Paul Johnson, director of the city's emergency operations centre, said the rising numbers have even slowed down the reopening of some affected businesses, with officials practicing as much caution as possible.

He's reminding business owners to reinforce rules when they see customers disregarding them.

"I know it's tough and it feels perhaps not in the best spirit of being a friendly atmosphere and good customer service, but to be honest, the best customer service is to maintain the ability for people to take out food and, in safe ways, come and enjoy the food," he said.

"You may have to be tough in terms of the rules ... this is the time to be absolutely vigilant."

Keanin Loomis, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said with each shut down comes a domino effect of disruption delayed surgeries, mental health issues, economic impacts, unemployment, to list a few. He hopes there won't be any more.

"I don't second guess what we did the first time around but there have been a lot of casualties already ... I hope we're not making knee-jerk reactions," Loomis said.

"My concern isrolling back on the restrictions would create further casualties that we might be able to avoid if we ride this out ... Dr. Richardson has acknowledged there are other factors to consider than just COVID cases so that gives me a lot of encouragement that she's taking a holistic view on this."

Hamilton has 4 COVID outbreaks

Hamilton has four active COVID-19 outbreaks.

There are at least 61 people linked to an outbreak at SPINCO, a spin studio in downtown Hamilton.

Two staff members atSacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary are infected with the virus.

An outbreak was declared on the fourth floor of the Dundurn Place Care Centre on Oct. 11 after a staff member at the nursing home tested positive.

A staff member with the assisted living branch of the Salvation Army's Lawson Ministries also has the virus.

The city has seen a total of 1,407 cases since the start of the pandemic. Forty-seven people have died.

Hamilton is also dealing with a testing backlog that has some waiting for as many as eight days for their COVID-19 results.

Brant

Brant County and the city of Brantford have nine active cases of COVID-19 according to public health officials. It has seen a total of 206 cases. Five people have died and 192 have recovered. The county and the city have no active outbreaks.

Haldimand-Norfolk

The public health unit in Haldimand and Norfolk counties say they are dealing with eight active COVID-19 cases. There have been a total of 500 infected people in both counties, 455 of which have survived. The virus has killed 32 people. The majority of COVID-19 cases in the areas have been from Vittoria, Hagersville, Simcoe and Caledonia.

Halton

There are 212 active COVID-19 cases in Halton according to public health officials. There have been a total of 1,640 cases. Of those 27 people have died while 1,401 have recovered.

Burlington has 95 active cases. Of the 425 people who have been infected, nine have died and 321 have survived.

Niagara

In Niagara, the local public health unit says 99 people actively have COVID-19. The virus has infected 1,214 people since the start of the pandemic. Sixty-five people have died and 1.050 have recovered. Niagara has eight outbreaks.