Most new Hamilton COVID-19 outbreaks connected to schools
Published December 2, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Seven of the last 10 COVID-19 outbreaks in Hamilton are associated with schools, city data shows.
Two other outbreaks that are both over two weeks old but are still listed as active by Hamilton Public Health Services have also been traced to schools. The cases would not have necessarily been transmitted in the schools. They may have been transmitted elsewhere in the community.
That may underscore the necessity of vaccinating children age 5 to 11, who are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
An outbreak was declared Wednesday at Ray Lewis Elementary School after the confirmation of three cases, all listed as patrons/attendees, which likely means students.
- Hamilton District Christian HS, two cases (one staff), declared Nov. 30
- Hillcrest Elementary School, two cases, declared Nov. 30
- Mount Hope ES, two cases, declared Nov. 30
- St. Mark Catholic Elementary School, six cases, declared Nov. 28
- École élémentaire publique Michaëlle-Jean, three cases, declared Nov. 27
- Eastdale ES, three cases, declared Nov. 23
- St. Gabriel CES, 14 cases (13 students, one staff), declared Nov. 15
- Rehoboth Christian School, six cases, declared Nov. 12.
That tally may include slightly older cases that have been resolved.
During a school-associated outbreak, people who are positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days. Affected elementary school classes or secondary school cohorts are switched to remote learning.
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Three workplaces in Hamilton have active outbreaks:
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco, masonry department, two cases, declared Nov. 29
- City of Hamilton traffic operations centre (1375 Ottawa St.), two cases, declared Nov. 29
- Circuit Logistics Inc., five cases, declared Nov. 18.