Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
At the time of writing (9:00pm March 31, 2020), it’s been nearly three weeks since the City of Hamilton activated our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and there are now 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19, nineteen hospitalizations (1 in 5) and one death in Hamilton.
A new epidemiological summary of COVID-19 cases in Canada released by the federal government indicates that 62% of all COVID-19 cases were related to community transmission – and it is important to remember that test results lag current trends and many who are sick are never tested.
In fact, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health stated today that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in Hamilton is likely more than 1000.
Therefore, it is more critical than ever to stay home, stay safe, limit all non-essential activities and take care of each other – continue reading below…
Physical Distancing and Self Isolation
On the surface, it may feel like some are simply on an extended vacation.
However, those who are fortunate enough to work from home are often still putting in full time hours (or more), with the added responsibility of having to care for children (while sharing devices and workspace).
Workers in essential areas such as retail/service, cleaners, first responders, City of Hamilton staff, post & delivery workers and employees of many other critical industries are still going to work every day to make sure that the core systems and products we rely on continue to be available.
Frontline healthcare workers continue to put in long extended shifts while placing their own safety and potentially the health of their families on the line.
Many in our Ward 8 communities have also been laid off (or are facing layoffs), are trying to pay the bills on reduced hours or are continuing to struggle to make ends meet.
While we try to adjust to physical distancing and self isolation, healthcare professionals are currently preparing for a large influx of new COVID-19 cases over the next few weeks.
However, there have been indications that physical distancing and self-isolation are working, but the next few weeks may prove pivotal, and we still have a long journey ahead.
All Non-Essential Public Spaces are Closed
Following provincial direction issued on March 30, the City has immediately implemented some additional closures of dog parks, skate parks and several parking lots in high traffic areas in Hamilton.
All City playgrounds remain closed as playground surfaces have not been sanitized and it is not safe to allow children access.
The escarpment stairs provide critical pedestrian transportation routes for many residents and remain open.
However, much higher than average traffic counts have been recorded on many escarpment stairs. Please leave the stairs for essential commuting, not your daily workout or walk – the railings are not sanitized and it is difficult to maintain a safe 6 foot (2m) separation (click here for an interactive map of pedestrian and cyclist counts).
While trails in Hamilton remain open, residents are advised these are for essential use, or “walkthrough access” only. If using these spaces, Hamilton Public Health strongly recommends keeping 2m or 6ft between yourself and others at all times.
Through the Province’s new emergency order, City of Hamilton Municipal Law Enforcement and Hamilton Police Services will now be enforcing these measures.
Please Shop Local & Support Hamilton Business
Local small business is the lifeblood of the economy in Hamilton.
Many local businesses deemed non-essential by the Province of Ontario have closed. Others have voluntarily shut down to protect their workers and many more that are still operating are at a reduced capacity.
Instead of going to your favorite online mega-retailer, chain big box store or restaurant, please consider local, Hamilton alternatives.
Please also consider the social contributions of the companies you choose to purchase from. Are they doing everything they can to protect the health and welfare of their employees? Are they making donations to help those in need?
There are many options for groceries, retail products and takeout food in Ward 8 and Hamilton that are locally owned and operated!
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has several excellent suggestions for how you can help support local business – click here.
“Look What I Made” Ward 8 Community Challenge
To help Ward 8 residents and those across the City connect during this difficult time, we would like to share some of the creative projects that you and your and your kids are keeping busy with.
Please click here for further details.
Lets Help Each Other to Get Through This!
Many people in our Ward 8 neighbourhoods are really struggling right now.
If you are able, there are a few really simple things you can do to help out:
- Check in with your neighbours (from a minimum 6 foot distance without contacting surfaces like doorbells or porch railings). See how they’re doing and if they need anything.
- If you work in an essential industry and have to go to work or if you’re going to pickup groceries for your family, consider picking up some items for others. The less people that need to go out, the better!
- If you have seniors or others in your neighbourhood who might not have computer access, help them with placing online orders.
We have also compiled a list of a number of community organizations that could really use your help right now – click here for more ways to help.
Questions or Concerns?
Official updates from the City of Hamilton are available at www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and weekly virtual town hall meetings every Wednesday at 7:00pm.
For questions specific to COVID-19, please contact City of Hamilton Public Health Services directly at 905.974.9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca
Ward 8 updates are posted to www.Ward8Hamilton.ca , my Twitter feed @JohnPaulDanko and are sent out with our weekly newsletter.
New information is posted as we receive it, but as things are changing rapidly, each post is dated so you know what updates are the most recent.
If you think your friends, neighbours and family in Ward 8 may benefit from receiving these updates, please forward the following link and ask them to send us a request to be added to the mailing list: https://ward8hamilton.ca/contact-us/
Let’s work together and support each other.
Stay home, stay healthy – stay safe.
Sincerely,
John-Paul Danko
Hamilton City Councillor for Ward 8
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office here.