COVID-19 cases, outbreaks rise in Hamilton, latest numbers show

While the number of new cases and active outbreaks rose over the past three weeks, COVID-19 transmission in Hamilton is “low and stable,” according to the latest numbers from the City. 

“When assessing COVID-19 data, it’s important to focus on trends. Although case rates have been increasing, they remain low in historical terms,” said Dr. Brendan Lew, Hamilton’s associate medical officer of health, in an emailed statement to hamilton.insauga.com. 

He said the transmission of the virus in Hamilton has remained low since April, noting this includes COVID-19 reported cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, wastewater signal, test positivity and the number of active outbreaks in high-risk settings.

Even with the “low and stable” COVID trend, he said Hamiltonians “should remain vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves from the severe outcomes a COVID-19 infection can cause.”

Dr. Lew said the best protection from COVID is to stay up-to-date with vaccination.

The Ontario Ministry of Health advises people to get the next COVID-19 booster in the fall in order to “maximize protection,” he added.

“If a community member is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home and test with a Rapid Antigen Test or a PCR test, if eligible,” Dr. Lew said.

Seven-day average of new COVID cases up

In its latest update on Aug. 16, Hamilton Public Health said the seven-day average of new cases over the past three weeks has risen with three on July 30, four on Aug. 6 and nine on Aug. 13.

The weekly incidence per 100,000 of new cases has also increased in the same period with four on July 30, five on Aug. 6 and 11 on Aug. 13.

The number of active outbreaks has climbed with two on Aug. 1, three on Aug. 8 and six on Aug. 15.

The seven-day averages for hospital admissions, ICU admissions, wastewater samples test positivity have stabilized.

Numbers for influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (causing mild, cold-like symptoms), including the seven-day average of new  cases, have been stable.

Hamilton Public Health said it uses the most recent information it could find from various data sources. All data are preliminary and could change.

For more information and advice on COVID, visit www.hamilton.ca/covid.