Toronto long-term care home confirms over 110 residents have contracted COVID-19

A Toronto long-term care home has confirmed that 112 residents have contracted COVID-19 in just over a month.

The outbreak was declared at Fudger House, a City of Toronto operated facility. Since the initial confirmation, there are now 29 active cases with 74 residents who have recovered.

“Unfortunately, there have been nine resident deaths, and we extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones. It is important to note that not all of these deaths can be directly attributed to COVID-19, as some may have passed away for other reasons including being palliative prior to COVID-19,” Paul Raftis, General Manager of Senior Services & Long-Term Care, said in a written statement to Daily Hive.

There are currently 18 active staff cases — in isolation at home — and 27 staff members who have recovered.

“The health and safety of the residents and clients, their families and the well-being of our staff members is our priority. We are completely focused on adherence to and implementation of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care and Toronto Public Health guidelines to keep our residents and staff members safe, and we are doing everything possible to respond to the second wave of this pandemic,” he said.

The prevention efforts include: the enforcement of enhanced active screening, like taking temperatures twice daily for anyone entering the homes; masking protocols are enforced at all times; and enhanced infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices and procedures.

Raftis added that residents have been isolated “if appropriate and necessary” to mitigate risk, with physical distancing at all times, use of PPE, testing of residents and staff members, and working with Toronto Public Health.

The Fudger House is one of three City-run long-term care homes with an active outbreak. The other two are Bendale Acres in Scarborough and True Davidson Acres in East York.

In Ontario, there are currently 100 long-term care homes that have an active COVID-19 outbreak.