The vast majority of municipal facilities in Hamilton will close Sunday as the city takes additional measures to corral the spread of coronavirus with new confirmed cases of the disease.

That includes recreation centres, seniors' centres, public library branches, community halls, arenas, the Gage Park green house, museums and the tourism centre at the Lister Block until at least April 6.

As of Tuesday, the city-run daycare program will also close, adding to the thousands of community- and school-based spaces now unavailable to parents.

Roughly 75 per cent of child-care spots in Hamilton will be off-line for the next three weeks, Paul Johnson, director of the city's emergency operations centre, said during a news conference at city hall Saturday afternoon.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the measures are in response to provincial and federal recommendations and the growing number new cases, many of which public health believes are travel-related.

"As you know, these are difficult decisions that we're having to make here but all aimed toward preventing spread in our community."

Saturday's announcement builds on the cancellation of several city programs and municipal closures affecting its 8,000 employees that were already publicized earlier this week.

Johnson said the measures — stickhandled at the emergency operations centre on the east Mountain's joint fire-EMS headquarters — are meant to protect the public but also focus staff resources on dealing with the virus.

During the closures, the city plans to do "deep cleaning and disinfecting activitivies" in the buildings along with minor maintenance, he said.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Hamilton climbed to five Saturday. Three more were announced Sunday.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, medical officer of health, said the risk to residents remains low, noting there's no evidence yet of community spread. "At this point, we don't see that."

One of the cases is a three-month-old child; the other two are a couple in their 60s who went on a Caribbean cruise; details of the fourth case weren't mentioned during a Saturday news conference.

Richardson urged people to take precautions, such as washing their hands, practising "social distancing," staying at home if ill, and avoiding contact with those who are sick.

Roughly 120 additional public health staff have now been redeployed to bolster the infectious disease team efforts to control the spread of the virus, she noted.

Johnson said city employees that work in paused programs and closed facilities need not go to work Monday unless otherwise notified by supervisors.

"It's important to note that no employees will be laid off at this time and there's no loss of income."

He also said families whose child-care spaces have been suspended and groups whose bookings are affected will receive refunds.

Some programs may be available to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties with the child-care crunch and loss of work days, but resources are limited, Johnson said.

The city's long-term-care facilities — Macassa and Wentworth lodges — will limit loved ones' visits to only "end-of-life" situations.

"We understand that this is extremely concerning for families of the residents ... We feel for them," Johnson said. Other nursing homes are also taking these precautions.

He also asked that anyone that has business with the city to consider doing it over the phone or online. "If you attend city facilities, you may experience delays."

Earlier this week, the city announced it was suspending municipal recreation programs and events, including March break camps for children.

As well, Core Entertainment said events at FirstOntario Centre, the concert hall and studio are postponed until further notice.

A number of city services will continue as usual, including police, fire and paramedics, HSR, Hamilton Water, garbage, recycling and organics collection; snow-removal operations and the farmers' market.

Johnson said stallholders who return from travel abroad will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days. That policy also applies to returning city staff, which he noted, could have an impact on municipal operations.

A number of city facilities will remain open:

• city hall;

• Ontario Works buildings;

• municipal service centres;

• Mountain transit centre;

• community recycling centres;

• HSR service counter at the Hunter GO Station;

• municipal cemeteries;

• water service counter at 330 Wentworth St. N.;

• housing service counter at 350 King St. E.;

• animal services at 247 Dartnal Rd.;

• parking system office at 80 Main St. W.;

• provincial administration offices at 50 Main St. E.;

• municipal licensing and bylaw services at 77 James St. N.

McMaster University and Mohawk College have cancelled all in-person classes and exams Friday. Mohawk went one step further closing all of its campuses and asking students in residence to go home.

Schools have also closed for an additional two weeks after the end of March break.

Several community groups, sports leagues and businesses have also cancelled or postponed events, including the Around the Bay race on March 29.

Eisenberger said the public can expect more updates from the city in the days to come. Residents are urged to call 905-546-2489 for information. To report symptoms or ask for guidance, call the city's COVID-19 hotline at 905-546-2424, ext. 7970. Email questions to phscovid19@hamilton.ca.