Hamilton Grey Cup party COVID-19 outbreak grows as cases climb across city

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Published December 22, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Hamilton is reporting 168 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday (Dec. 22) and no new virus-related deaths.

According to data from Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) and shared on the City’s website, the seven-day average for new cases is up to 140 — from 126 as reported on Tuesday.

There are currently 32 active outbreaks in the community and 916 active cases of the virus. The outbreak linked to a recent Grey Cup event at the Corktown Tavern has grown to 14 cases, with 13 of more than 200 attendees and one employee having tested positive so far.

The reproductive rate in Hamilton — the average number of secondary infections generated by an individual with a confirmed case — is up to 1.83.

Hamilton hospitals are treating 43 people (up from 33 on Tuesday) for COVID-19 related illnesses, nine of which are in local ICUs.

Meanwhile, Ontario is reporting 4,383 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, and nine new deaths from the virus.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said 918 of the new cases are in people who are not fully vaccinated, and 222 are in people whose vaccination status isn’t known.

Elliott said 420 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, including 311 who are not fully vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Provincial data show 168 people are in intensive care due to COVID-19, including 132 who are not fully vaccinated or whose immunization status isn’t known.

Testing and case management

On Tuesday, Ontario’s top doctor said the province is preparing to change its strategy on COVID-19 testing and case management in light of Omicron, with guidance expected in the coming days.

Hamilton’s testing capacity has been stretched this week as the demand skyrocketed in the week leading up to the holiday.

At times, the online booking system was advising residents to ‘check back later’ as no appointments were available to book.

The City’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, noted at a press conference on Monday that HPHS and health-care partners in the city were dealing with a staffing shortage they are working to address.

Richardson asked members of the public who are unable to attend appointments (for tests, vaccines) to go through the process of cancelling so that the appointment can go to others.

More about the City’s response to COVID-19 can be found on its website.

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