One dead in Ontario care home—almost all residents have coronavirus

Martin Frogley, a resident of the home died Wednesday morning at Markham-Stoufville hospital, his age hasn't been released.

An outbreak was declared last week at Participation House’s residence on Butternut Lane, a home for adults with disabilities, last week. It began after two staff members and 10 residents received test results that confirmed they were infected.

Now, that number has skyrocketed to 42 residents and 12 staff members that are infected.

“He passed peacefully listening to music he loved. He was a wonderful son, uncle and the best brother anyone could ever ask for,” read a statement written by Frogley's family.

News of the outbreak sparked fear in the staff at Participation House, prompting the majority of staff to leave the home in order to keep themselves safe. The walkout forced the Markham hospital to act quickly in planning how they will take care of the resident's at the home, who have mental and physical disabilities.

They quickly set-up a response for infection control and have supplied the home with new staff. Jane Philpott, a family doctor and former Markham MP, is also providing clinical support at the home.

Personal protective equipment, infection control and contract tracing is being conducted with the assistance of York Paramedics and the York Region health unit.

The residents at the home as well as the Markham-Stouffville hospital continue to face numerous difficult challenges to eradicate the situation such as sustainable staffing and medical supplies, according to a join statement issued by the hospital and Participation House.

Participation House said they are in discussion with their staff's union in hopes to figure out a solution for staff to be allowed to return to the home. A similar outbreak is happening at another long-term care home called Markhaven Home for Seniors, that has already seen the death of eight of its residents.

Prime Minister Trudeau called the situation in Canada's care homes "tragic and worrisome" on Wednesday and planned to address it with premiers.