Hamilton reports fewer than 300 active COVID cases for first time in months

Hamilton's active COVID-19 case count tumbled below 300 for the first time since February and new daily cases continue to trend downward.

Active cases in the city fell to 281 as the city began to reopen outdoor dining and non-essential retail. Hamilton's lowest active case count this year was 258 reported on Feb. 16.

The city hit 21,013 cases since the pandemic began, including 33 new cases reported by public health.

Hamilton's weekly average of new cases dropped to 28. That's one higher than this year's seven day average low of 27 reported while the city last reopened from lockdown in mid-February.

Public health ended one outbreak at Tiny Hoppers Early Learning Centre on Rymal Road in Stoney Creek. That was the last active outbreak classified by the city as school and child care.

The city now has 11 active outbreaks, totalling 40 cases. Nearly half of those outbreaks are in workplaces or businesses.

Hamilton's COVID deaths stand at 396 and 1,445 residents have been hospitalized, two more than the previous day's report.