87 new COVID-19 cases in Hamilton, second record-breaking day in a row

For a second day in a row, Hamilton has seen a record amount ofnew COVID-19 cases in a single day.

Public health recorded87 new cases on Friday. On Thursday, there were 71 cases. That meansHamilton has seen 158 new COVID-19 cases in the last 48 hours.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city's medical officer of health, said in a statement on Friday"these sustained increases are concerning" but addedit's also important to consider the seven-day average instead of a day-to-day tally.

"In Hamilton, the latest weekly rate of new cases per 100,000 population reported is 59.7.The average number of cases (7-day moving average) reported per day is 48 ...Hamilton continues to be firmly in the red 'control'category in the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework," she wrote.

"Our community needs to continue to work together to lower these numbers and the transmission of disease in order to avoid moving into the grey 'lockdown'category."

There have been 2,955 cases (both confirmed and probable) since March. Of those, 419 are currently active.

Hamilton's average reproduction number has also jumped to 1.18, indicating more community spread. That meansfor every one persondiagnosed with COVID-19, 1.18people will contract itfrom them.

Richardson also said thepercent positivity among tests has also risen again to 3.7 per cent.

Another person who had the virus died today a woman in her early 70's from Baywoods Place. Eighty-two people with COVID-19 have died during the pandemic.

There's also one more outbreak after a resident atCONNECT Communities tested positive. Of the 21 active outbreaks in the city, the largest is atChartwell Willowgrove with 86 cases (56 residents, 28 staff and two others). The outbreak atSt. Joseph's Villa North Tower is over.

There are 24 people with the virus in hospital and2,447 cases are resolved.

Try online shopping or curbside pick up: public health

Richardson is encouraging people to reconsider how they approacha "very busy shopping weekend."

She suggestsonline shopping, curbside pick-up and only going into essential places.

"We need to continue to be mindful of the ways in which we conduct our day-to-day lives, and the choices we make in order to keep our friends and families safe," reads her statement.

"I am urging our residents and visitors to Hamilton to protect one another by staying home when feeling unwell, wearing a mask when in public or if you are unable to keep a 2M distance from others, washing your hands frequently, and only going out for essential reasons."

Brant

The Olde School Restaurant in Brantford has a COVID-19 outbreak after two staff members got the virus.

The outbreak was declared on Thursday.

"Two cases of COVID-19 were found in staff members that did not have clear, identifiable transmission sources outside of this establishment," read a release from public health.

The infected staff members were at the restaurant between Nov. 13 and Nov. 20. They'll have to self-isolate for 10 days.

Public health is addressing any close contacts.

"Residents who are not contacted by BCHU and attended this establishment between November 13 and November 20 can contact the Brant Community Healthcare System to arrange for assessment and testing if they remain concerned about their exposure," read the release."

Nine new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Brant in the past 24 hours, according to the county's website.

Brant and Brantford have tallied 484 confirmed cases, including 406 that are recovered and 73 that are active.

Five people have died.

Haldimand-Norfolk movingto orange 'restrict'

Haldimand and Norfolk counties will enter the orange 'restrict' zone ofOntario's new COVID-19 response framework on Monday.

The local publichealth unity said it partly due to a rise in positive COVID-19 cases, clusters and outbreaks.

"We really don't want to see our local businesses already struggling due to COVID-19 forced to close as part of a provincially-imposed lockdown," read a quote fromKristal Chopp, Mayor of Norfolk County and chair of the board of health.

"But given the Province's framework, that will be the unfortunate reality if we aren't able to keep case numbers under control in our region. That's why it's so important that, as we approach the holiday season, we continue following the public health guidance aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our community."

The orange zone could include anumber of new measures that restrict hours, seating and capacity at bars, restaurants, movie theatres, meeting placesand events.

Gathering limits will staycapped at 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

Haldimand-Norfolk have reported 643 positive cases throughout the pandemic.

Of those, 43 are active and 563 are resolved.

Thirty-two deaths in the counties are considered COVID-related.

The outbreak at Grandview Lodge is over.

Niagara

Niagara has seen a total of 2,085 cases since the pandemic began.

Of those, 216 were active Wednesday and 1,786 resolved.

Eighty-three people with the virus have died and 18 outbreaks are ongoing.