Hamilton rolls out COVID-19 requirements for high-rises
Published July 7, 2021 at 1:52 am
Hamilton’s public health unit is issuing instructions that require the management of all high-rise buildings in the city to make measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Discussion items for a board of health meeting on Wednesday include a letter that states that all apartment buildings and condominium complexes that are are 12 storeys are higher must have a COVID-19 safety plan, that is prepared by a manager. It must also be posted “in a conspicuous place in the building.” It also states that building managers most post a cleaning schedule that details the cleaning frequency of commonly touched surfaces in all areas accessible to the public.
The letter from Hamilton Public Health Services says the city “will commence with an educational and supportive approach.” It mentions that any individual who violates the Reopening Ontario Act can face a fine of $750 to $100,000.
Around 90 buildings in Hamilton would be covered by the rules.
Outbreaks in apartment buildings were front-page news in Hamilton in May after three outbreaks in highrises. The first, and largest, was in Rebecca Towers (235 Rebecca St.) in the Beasley neighbourhood. It totalled 110 cases (three of whom of were staff) in the 164-unit, 17-storeys building. That works out to two cases for every three dwellings in the building.
At a board of health meeting on June 14, Ward 2 City Councillor Jason Farr, with a second from Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann, introduced a motion calling for COVID-19 related requirements to be created for high-rises.
Videos
The board of health meets at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The meeting can be followed at youtube.com/user/InsideCityofHamilton.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising