Summary of City of Hamilton COVID-19 Media Conference for May 15, 2020 – TPR Hamilton | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site

May 15, 2020
The City of Hamilton held its media call today. This call is run by the City Manager’s Office, and broadcast live to the public.
The following is the summary of the press conference. Full video, as live-streamed by the City of Hamilton, is available on YouTube.
What can you tell us of the staffing situation at The Rosslyn?
Paul Johnson:
City gets involved when staff shortage becomes critical, and the City is involved because it became worse in the past days.
Says the City can’t give exact details about the facility, but “You can assume from that staffing levels are low and challenging, particularly in this coming weekend”
Follow-up Question: What is the situation like there right now?
Paul Johnson:
We have a lot of people there ensuring care in there. It’s a 24/7 operation, the home is very receptive, and we are working as a team.
For Dr. Richardson, what is the new criteria to get a COVID test?
Dr. Richardson:
Beyond the key symptoms, the list of symptoms which now will result in a COVID test is expanding as more has been learned about the virus. Testing capacity has increased, and the number of tests available has increased.
The list of symptoms and testing guidance from the Province has increased, more information will be posted next week on the City website.
Follow-up Question: Can you share any details on the death today?
Dr. Richardson:
I was just informed of the death I have no further details.
[An email was sent to accredited email following this, and Manucdoc tweeted “ Hamilton Public Health has confirmed the city’s 26th covid-19 death. A 70-year old male from the Rosslyn died in hospital. The retirement home declared an outbreak on May 10th and has 23 confirmed cases. This is the first death“]
Who is it that have been sent in [to The Rosslyn], what are they doing, how many are there?
Paul Johnson:
I don’t have the listing, I don’t know where they are all from, and what role they are playing. They are many people helping there on the ground.
Follow-up Question: How many [residents/patients] from The Rosslyn are at Hospital? Is there a Code Orange at any hospital?
Dr. Richardson:
Seven are in hospital as of this morning
Not sure if they’ve declared a Code Orange, Dr. Richardson says she has not heard of one.
What is the status of mass testing at The Rosslyn?
Dr. Richardson:
They began mass testing on May 12th, outbreak declared May 10th
Follow-up Question: The Rosslyn was one of the homes issued a [public health] order last month, did they meet the order requirements?
Dr. Richardson:
All the requirements of the order were met. Yesterday, a new Order was issued to this home to ensure they continue to meet the conditions of the first order and standards required of homes.
All private courses will be open tomorrow, all of them were pretty much booked up yesterday. Why is it taking longer for the City to open its golf courses?
Paul Johnson:
Part of it is bringing back seasonal staff. The City had not scheduled their hours, and they need to undergo training before the City can reopen the courses.
It will be by next weekend that we hope to reopen Chedoke.
City needs time to get the courses ready with signage and changes for physical distancing.
Follow-up Question: Do you know when the 2020 rates for membership and tee off fees will be posted?
Paul Johnson:
We hope to have online booking for tee times in the coming days, the rates were already set in the 2020 munciipal budget.
Dale: Why can’t public washrooms be reopen in [public parks, conservation areas, and facilities]?
Dr. Richardson:
They are high contact areas, many things people touch in them. They are hard to keep sanitary and clean, and at this time the City isn’t able to keep them clean. The City recognize their importance, and is working on this.
Staffing challenges at The Rosslyn, why is that?
Paul Johnson:
Some of the staff have tested positive, this is a smaller facility that doesn’t have much staff to begin with compared to larger facilities. There is a province wide shortage of long-term care staff, and this is why the City and hospitals need to step in to assist with staffing.
Mayor Eisenberger:
Province has put out all call for experienced LTC staff to help iwth the Provincal response to add workers at LTCs.
What is the process, does the Home ask for help or does the City determine it must step in? What are the supports?
Paul Johnson:
It is all kinds of staff, nurses, support staff, and more. Various ways the response can be triggered.
City provides logistics supports, PPE, and connecting to Provincial supports.
How many deaths have their been at The Rosslyn
Dr. Richardson:
The new death today was a Rosslyn resident, a 70-year-old male.
Today, Toronto announced cancellation of kids summer camps, what is the timeline for Hamilton’s decision?
Paul Johnson:
It will be in the coming weeks, likely around the May 27 report to Council on staged reopening. Hamilton has not made its final call.
Reminder that health care system is safe, that if people need to call paramedics, seek emergency care, or seek urgent care, it is safe to do so, and they should do so.
Wishes everyone a good weekend.