A “concerning trend in key indicators” has prompted Ontario to drop Hamilton into the grey-lockdown level of the province’s reopening framework.
The province made the announcement on Friday afternoon, stating that the directive is on the advice of the chief medical officer of health and in consultation with Hamilton public health.
The lockdown is effective on Monday, March 29 at 12:01 a.m.
“Over the last week, we have continued to see some concerning trends in key health indicators in regions across the province,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott said in a statement.
“As we cautiously make targeted adjustments to public health measures to support the wellbeing of individuals and small business owners, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant and continues to strictly follow all public health measures and advice to keep each other safe.”
The move comes days after Hamilton’s medical officer of health said she was “not convinced” the city should move into a lockdown despite recent increases in COVID-19 infections.
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson told councillors in a virtual committee meeting on Wednesday that she didn’t believe a move into the grey-lockdown level of the province’s reopening framework would provide “a significant impact” in limiting the disease or mortality from it.
“It will have a significant impact on business in terms of what happens for them, especially as rules were changed to do some opening up last week and then potentially to do some more closing down,” Richardson said during the city’s general issues committee meeting.
The top doc admitted the city was at “a critical point” in terms of current control measures and in epidemiological numbers, which she says supports a move into grey.
A key number that has plagued Hamilton in the past month has been the city’s cases per 100,000 population which has been hovering around 100.
It’s a number Mayor Fred Eisenberger says is one the city and public health have been using as a benchmark for a possible shutdown.
On Friday Eisenberger called the lockdown “unfortunate” but “necessary.”
“We are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases including variants of concern and additional restrictions need to be implemented to help lower the spread of this virus,” said Eisenberger.
What you can and can’t do in Hamilton during coronavirus lockdown
During the lockdown, residents are being discouraged to leave home unless its for essential reasons (work, school, groceries, exercise, caring for vulnerable people).
Social gatherings should be avoided and families are discouraged from visiting other households. Those who live alone are encouraged to associate with only one other household.
Some other key guidelines during the lockdown:
- In person shopping permitted for all retail with capacity limits of 50 per cent for groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies and 25 per cent for other stores including discount and big-box retailers, liquor stores, cannabis stores, hardware stores and garden centres.
- Indoor dining is prohibited. Outdoor dining, take out, drive through, and delivery permitted, including alcohol
- Organized public events and gatherings are limited to 10 people where physical distancing can be maintained
- Religious services or ceremonies, like weddings, are limited to 15 per cent capacity indoors and 50 people outdoors
- Facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness activities are closed with some outdoor recreation allowed with limits
- Court services and government services are closed
- City Hall and the Municipal Service Centres will remain open for appointment-based services only
- Community centres and multi-purpose facilities are allowed to be open for permitted activities (Including child care services, day camps, social services)
- Personal care services are closed but can be open with new restrictions beginning April 12
- Casinos, theatres, and amusement parks are closed