10 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Hamilton, six among kids and teens

Six new cases of COVID-19 among children and teens were reported Saturday in Hamilton, bringing the total to 55.

Children and youth ages 0 to 19 account for just seven per cent of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in the city, though reported numbers may be low because kids haven't been priority for testing and often have milder symptoms.

The total number of confirmed and probable cases in Hamilton jumped to 799 Saturday - up 10 from Friday. No new deaths were reported.

In Halton, one new death was reported Saturday, bringing the total number to 25. Twelve of the 25 deaths - 48 per cent - were associated with an institutional outbreak.

There are two ongoing outbreaks in Halton, both at long-term care homes in Burlington. On June 18, an outbreak was declared at Billings Court, where one resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. Earlier this month, an outbreak was declared at CAMA Woodlands, where there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Outbreaks have been resolved at 18 institutions, including long-term care homes, retirement residences and Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington.

A regional report released earlier this week shows that West Milton, a neighbourhood in Burlington, has the highest rate of infection - about 27 confirmed and probable cases not associated with institutional or congregate care outbreaks" per 10,000, the Halton Region website reads.

The number of lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Haldimand-Norfolk jumped from 430 to 441 - an increase of 11.

No new deaths have been reported in Haldimand-Norfolk in more than a month. However, the total number of positive cases in Haldimand-Norfolk has more than doubled in the same period of time.

As of June 11, Haldimand-Norfolk had the highest number of cases per capita in Ontario.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com