Four new outbreaks and 140 COVID cases in Hamilton Friday

Hamilton is reporting 140 new cases of COVID-19 and four new outbreaks Friday.

The four new outbreaks include Prince of Wales Elementary School with two student cases, Nova Steel with two staff cases, Grandview Animal Hospital in Stoney Creek with two staff cases, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco with two staff cases.

The ArcelorMittal outbreak cases are screening positive for a variant of concern.

The seven-day rate of COVID infection per 100,000 people in Hamilton as of Thursday was 130, which is high. A total of 100 COVID patients are being treated in Hamilton hospitals.

Hamilton is creeping closer to a four-digit active case load, with 929 cases active on Friday.

Outbreaks declared over as of Friday include: Westmount Terrace Retirement Residence, Macassa Lodge, Guido de Bres Christian High School and Paddock Transportation.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com