Premier Ford’s mother-in-law tests positive for coronavirus in long-term care home

Premier Doug Ford’s 95-year-old mother-in-law has tested positive for coronavirus.

She is at the West Park Long-Term Care home in Etobicoke that has had 13 coronavirus-related deaths.

As of Thursday, another 49 residents and 30 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility.

Earlier today the Premier got emotional when talking about the pain families are feeling for their loved ones in long term care.

“When I see the front page of the Toronto Sun and you see a loved one with their elderly parent and they put their hand up against the window that’s heartbreaking,” said a visibly shaken Ford. “I relate to it in our own family with my wife Karla.”

Ford announced a number of new measures to fight COVID-19 in group homes and shelters, but continued to face tough questions about the province’s response as deaths mount in long-term care facilities.

“The system — we can do better,” Ford said, pausing for a moment. “The system needs to be changed and we’re changing the system. But right now, our main focus is that we protect the people inside these long-term care homes.”

Ford also thanked the federal government for granting the province’s request for Canadian Forces members to provide operational and logistical support in the fight against the virus in long-term care homes.

“They’re going to be there to support the front-line health-care workers in any capacity that they can,” he said. “We need people.”

According to government data, there were 68 additional deaths in long-term care homes across the province over the past 24 hours.

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca sent his regards to the Ford family on Twitter.

Sending my best wishes to the Premier and his family. Hearing a loved one has tested positive for covid-19 is difficult and upsetting. I hope the Premier's mother in law has a speedy recovery.

— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) April 23, 2020