COVID-19 outbreak spreads to over 100 residents of GTA long term care home

A COVID-19 outbreak declared at a long term care home in Rexdale has resulted in more than 170 cases between residents and staff.

Toronto Public Health first declared the outbreak at Westside Long Term Care Home on November 12.

In a statement released on December 4, Revera, the company that operates the home, said that a total of 117 residents and 57 staff members have now tested positive for the virus. Twelve residents have died as a result of the outbreak.

As of December 4, there were active COVID-19 cases in 84 residents and 49 staff members. Revera said residents with the virus are in isolation in their rooms, and affected staff are in self-isolation at home.

“We offer our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the people we have lost to the pandemic,” the statement reads. “We are working very closely with Public Health officials and are following pandemic outbreak protocols and infection control practices.”

Westside is one of 111 long term care homes in Ontario currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak.

Revera said all of the home’s residents are being monitored twice a day for virus symptoms. Staff are screened at the beginning and end of each shift and must wear proper PPE while at the home.

Enhanced cleaning measures have been put in place, including frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, doors, and common areas.

“Revera continues to do everything we can to keep our residents and employees safe as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at our long term care homes and retirement residences,” the statement said.

To date, 2,293 long term care home residents and eight staff members have died of COVID-19 in Ontario.