7 new cases in Hamilton Friday, all due to community spread of COVID-19
There were 51 confirmed positive cases in Hamilton as of Friday afternoon
There have been 51 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Hamilton as of Friday afternoon.
Seven new cases have presented themselves since Thursday, all of which appear to be due to community spread, said associate medical officer of health Dr. Bart Harvey. One of the cases not in that total, but which public health is involved in, is an employee at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.
According to Harvey, the centre has increased its usual cleaning and told staff and inmates in contact with the employee that they must self-isolate.
At the city's virtual press conference Friday, Paul Johnson director of the emergency operations centre, said protective supplies and materials like wipes and sanitizer are being continually monitored, though at this time city agencies such as firefighters and paramedics "have the supplies that we need at this stage."
He added that they have "not had to undertake any rationing of (personal protective equipment) in the City of Hamilton," but are in the process of getting more.
Officials with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit say the region has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.
The person is a Norfolk resident who has mild symptoms and remains in self-isolation at home, according to a media release from Norfolk County.
"In the context of the number of cases reported in the province, this first case is not unexpected," stated Medical Officer of Health Shanker Nesathurai in the release.
"The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit will continue to work with the counties ... as well as hospitals, community health centres and community physicians to formulate a response to COVID-19."
Staff with the health unit have identified anyone who was in close contact with the first case and directed them to take steps to distance themselves from others.
Hamilton cases clustered in families
Of the seven new cases, none have a direct link to travel or contact with someone who is infected, said Harvey.
Hamilton Public Health says 12 of the total cases indicate community transmission and that about half of Hamilton's total cases are clustered in families.
There has been one COVID-19 related death in Hamilton so far.