2 dead, nearly all residents infected with coronavirus at Markham care home

Two residents have died and almost all of those living at a Markham long-term care home for adults with physical and developmental disabilities have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Participation House’s residence on Butternut Lane declared an outbreak late last week after 10 residents and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

Thirty-seven residents and 12 staff members have since tested positive.

Early Wednesday morning Martin Frogley, 58, died at Markham-Stoufville hospital.

“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 from his family released by the hospital.

Late Wednesday evening, the second death at the facility was confirmed. Earl Baird tells CityNews his sister Patricia Baird passed away at 3:15 p.m. She lived at the Markham group home for the last five years.

Several staff, including all PSW’s, walked out of the home after being informed of the outbreak over fears for their safety and help. The care home houses adults with physical and mental disability.

Markham hospital has assembled a rapid response team at the home to ensure proper care and infection control as well as deploying staff to the home. Former Markham MP Jane Philpott, who is a family doctor, also provided clinical support at the facility.

York Region health and York Paramedics have also been assisting with contract tracing, infection control and providing protective equipment.

A joint statement from Markham-Stouffville hospital and Participation House says there are still a number of challenges they are facing and they’re working to provided sustainable staffing, medical support and supplies.

Jane Philpott, former President of the Treasury Board and a former federal Health Minister, has been helping out at the home and reiterated the need for staffing help.

“We need great RNs, RPNs and PSWs immediately,” she tweeted. “In the last 4 days as I get to know the residents of Participation House they have captured my heart. We can’t let them down.”

On April 12, Participation House said they were actively engaged in talks with the union representing staff to find a solution that would allow staff to return.

Markham is also dealing with an outbreak at long-term care home Markhaven Home for Seniors where at least eight residents have died.