(January 2, 2021)<\/p>\n
By: Bryann Aguilar, Newstalk 610 CKTB – iHeartRadio<\/p>\n
The death toll at a Scarborough long-term care home experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 has climbed to 60 as eight more residents have died.<\/p>\n
North York General Hospital, which took over the management of Tendercare Living Centre in December, updated the number of fatalities at the home on Saturday, up from the 52 deaths reported on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The hospital said there are no new residents or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 for the third day in a row.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a positive indicator that the outbreak control measures are being successful,\u201d the hospital said in a statement.<\/p>\n
As of Jan. 1, 78 residents and 39 staff members remain infected with the novel coronavirus.<\/p>\n
While there has been an improvement in infection and prevention control practices and the number of cases has been reduced at the facility since North York General Hospital took over, the hospital noted that additional cases are expected for the next two weeks given the incubation period of the novel coronavirus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that there was widespread transmission at Tendercare during the third and fourth week in December just prior to NYGH becoming significantly involved,\u201d the hospital said in its statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have now entered this critical period of time. Some of those residents who acquired COVID 10 to 14 days ago are resolving their infection, while others are developing complications and unfortunately some are passing away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, another rally was held outside the home located in the area of McNicoll and Victoria Park avenues Saturday afternoon, calling for the end of for-profit long-term care homes.<\/p>\n
Carrying signs that read \u2018save our seniors\u2019 and \u2018care over profit,\u2019 demonstrators said the pandemic has shown that private nursing homes only focus on profit instead of providing care to residents.<\/p>\n
They also want the Ford government to revisit legislation that they say makes it harder to hold private operators liable for any harm caused by the pandemic.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Long-Term Care said staffing at the facility is now above levels during normal operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cInfection Prevention and Control audits have shown significant improvement this week. Environmental Services staff are on-site and continue to clean the home,\u201d the ministry said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to thank the staff at North York General Hospital, along with those from Tendercare Living Centre, for working around the clock to help stop the outbreak. We remain committed to doing everything we can, along with our partners, to help stabilize the home and have them return to normal operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, The Canadian Union of Public Employees joined the Ontario Health Coalition on Saturday, urging the province to call on the military to help long-term care homes dealing with outbreaks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are tragically losing the battle to protect long-term care residents. The homes and staff are on the verge of total crisis and collapse,\u201d said CUPE Ontario secretary-treasurer Candace Rennick in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut military assistance is just a temporary solution to the worsening crisis caused by the government\u2019s failure to implement immediate and meaningful reforms needed months ago. This kind of crisis cannot continue to be met with half measures by the province.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Ontario reported outbreaks at 188 long-term care homes.<\/p>\n