Hamilton breaks another record in active COVID-19 cases

Case counts continue to surge in Hamilton, breaking another record for active cases on Christmas Eve.

Hamilton now has 1,139 active cases, surpassing the record set yesterday of 1,059.

The city is reporting 153 new cases, as of 3 p.m. Dec. 23. No new deaths were reported.

However, Shalom Village reported two new deaths in an update Wednesday night. There have now been 11 deaths at the home with Hamilton's second-biggest outbreak.

The home is now reporting 157 cases in the outbreak, of which 26 are resolved. Among staff, 67 have tested positive, with 18 cases resolved. Three essential caregivers have also tested positive.

There are a total of 87 resident cases, with four in hospital. Of the resident cases, 74 are long-term care residents in the home's two buildings. Eight of those cases are resolved. There are also nine cases in the assisted living and seniors' apartment residents.

Three new cases were reported at Grace Villa, with one new case in the ongoing outbreak in several units at Juravinski Hospital. Three new cases were reported at The Meadows long-term care home, which now has seven cases.

More to come.

Maria Iqbal's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com.