Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger joined us with an update on the city’s fight against Omicron.

Eisenberger says starting Jan. 23 the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) will operate at a reduced schedule because of the amount of HSR employees that are home sick.

“We’re going to do everything possible to make sure that [HSR] provides reasonable service,” said Eisenberger. “You don’t have a bus if you don’t have a driver, and so we need to do everything we can to maintain the service as best as possible.”

He says the reduced schedule is predictable. People can go to the HSR website and check the Read to Ride schedule adjustments. 

Hamilton Public Library’s services have also been reduced because some staff are being redeployed to help with the city’s vaccine clinics. 

“It’s a monumental effort and I do thank and appreciate all those that are working on those front lines to make it happen,” said Eisenberger. “Especially those who are normally working at a recreation center somewhere and now suddenly they’re put into working on the vaccination process.”

Eisenberger says the vaccine clinics at Lime Ridge Mall and Center Mall have been upscaled because the need for more vaccines has increased. 

He says the Center Mall vaccine clinic is now open to people 50-years-and-older to walk in without having to make an appointment. He says the rate of vaccination in Hamilton is about 10,000 people a day.

Eisenberger also says the Macassa Lodge, which is a city owned long-term care facility, has plans to redevelop 44 beds at the facility and then add an additional 20.

“We are very proud of our long-term care facility,” said Eisenberger. “They are much in demand and we certainly want to be able to provide that one on a public sector basis.”

He says public consultation will begin today through the Ministry of Long-term Care. People can register any comments they may have on the Long-Term Care Home Act and the proposal to redevelop 44 beds and expand an additional 20 beds at the Macassa Lodge.