Hamilton reports 79 new COVID-19 cases and four new outbreaks

Hamilton public health reported 79 new COVID-19 cases and four new outbreaks Friday.

The increase marks the highest jump in cases since May 23, as per The Spectator's records. The city has recorded 22,819 total infections since the pandemic was declared last March.

Hamilton's largest ongoing outbreak continued to grow Friday, with five new cases connected to Sizzle Nightclub in Hess Village.

Public health first declared the outbreak on Aug. 19 with nine cases. The outbreak has continued to increase since, hitting 43 cases Wednesday, 45 Thursday and 50 Friday.

All cases are in patrons, according to the city.

There are currently 15 active outbreaks in Hamilton - the highest since June 7, as per The Spectator's records.

Outbreaks have been declared at Mountain Hyundai on Upper James Street, a summer camp at MJM Equestrian Centre, a Today's Family summer camp at George L. Armstrong Elementary School and the YMCA men's residence.

There are currently outbreaks at four summer day camps across the city. The largest is at the West Highland Church day camp, where nine attendees and one staff member have tested positive for the virus.

The outbreak at the Good Shepherd Centre in the old Cathedral Boys' School has been declared over. Two residents and one staff member were infected during the outbreak.

Nearly 500 of the city's COVID-19 cases remain active, while close to 94 per cent are considered recovered.

Six more Hamiltonians have been hospitalized with the virus, bringing the city's total to 1,563 since last March. Hamilton's hospitals were caring for 56 COVID-19 patients as of Friday, 15 of whom are in the intensive care unit.

As of Friday, 79 per cent of eligible Hamilton residents have had a first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 71 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com