Hamilton’s COVID-19 data currently seeing two-day delay

The local COVID-19 updates publicly reported on the City of Hamilton will currently feature a 48-hour delay, according to local public health.

The delay, which means that COVID-19 data obtained by the city won’t be made public online until roughly two days following, is the result of a switchover to a new Ministry of Health-mandated case & contact management system.

Frequent handwashing, physical distancing, wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces and staying home if you are unwell are all part of protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Learn more: https://t.co/jjkXrrz4OH #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/S2dSXwXMDQ

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) September 6, 2020

With the change to a new management system introducing some challenges and problems, the city is still using some manual methods for data management.

The 2-day delay in public data availability is to ensure consistency, and allow a suitable amount of time to accommodate the needs of manual data entry.

However, the delay is an obvious speedbump to providing locals with the most immediate, accurate data on Hamilton’s status with COVID-19. That said, the city is working to remedy the issue.

“There is a 48-hour delay in reporting daily case counts, deaths, exposure acquisition, sex, age, and severity. For example, cases that are initially reported to Public Health by end of day Monday will be published on the website by Thursday of that same week,” explains the City of Hamilton in a statement.

“Please note that exposure acquisitions have been temporarily be removed from the website while we work through determining best process to report on these factors. We understand this information is important to the public and it will be reposted as soon as possible.”

To read more, check out the City of Hamilton website.

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