Hamilton blocks access to escarpment stairs to combat the spread of COVID-19

The city of Hamilton has shut down access to the escarpment stairs in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The move comes one week after the city advised residents the stairs, which are popularly used for recreational purposes, would be closed to non-essential travel. At the time, city officials decided to leave the accesses open for people to use while making their way to work.

On Wednesday, the city reneged on their decision and crews put up barriers to block anyone from accessing the stairways.

City of Hamilton officially closed all escarpment stairs as call for physical distancing ‘was not completely adhered to.’ @morninglive @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/lruOvjNpUf

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) April 2, 2020

“The message regarding non-essential travel on Hamilton’s escarpment stairs was sent but was not completely adhered to,” read a tweet by the city. “We’ve made the difficult decision to close all escarpment stairs effective immediately to help #FlattenTheCurve in #HamOnt.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger says the stairs will remain closed until the city feels ready to “relax the rules,” but that will likely not happen any time soon.

Eisenberger apologized to those who use the stairs for travel to and from work and advised those residents to use public transit.