Subtype of COVID-19 variant found in Hamilton, while city reports one new death

Hamilton reported a new COVID-19 death on Saturday, while the number of cases in the city continued to decline.

However, two cases of the B.1.617.2 variant - a subtype of the more contagious variant first identified in India - were found.

A person in their 60s died, the 384th death since the pandemic began. The new death was reported in the outbreak at Juravinski Hospital Unit F4 outbreak.

Seventy-one new cases were also reported, with the seven-day average sitting at 67. The number of active cases decreased to 601 from 637.

There were three new outbreaks declared May 28.

Dutchman's Gold Inc., a farm in Millgrove, has two staff cases where the B.1.17 variant (originally identified in U.K.) have been confirmed.

First Place Workshop Hub, within a senior's building managed by CityHousing Hamilton at 360 King St. E,. has three staff cases.

Tonco Contracting in Stoney Creek has two staff cases. Cases in the latter two outbreaks have screened positive for a variant, but it's not yet known which one.

Hamilton hospitals are caring for 76 COVID-19 patients, with 43 in intensive care.

The large B.1.17 outbreak at The Village apartments with 73 residents and one staff case was declared over, along with nine other outbreaks.

Maria Iqbal is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator covering aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com.