Staff at a hospital in the Greater Toronto Area are worried that Canadians are becoming less vigilant about physical distancing and want people to see through their eyes what it’s like treating COVID-19 patients in the ICU.
Markham Stouffville Hospital, just northeast of Toronto, had its first COVID-19 case in late January. Since then, its staff have cared for hundreds of positive patients and dozens have been put on life-support. Many people have survived and gone home to their families. Nine have died.
It’s been an emotional roller-coaster for everyone who works there.
Today, Markham Stouffville has more than 60 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients.
And now, there’s a new threat: another potential surge of cases coming from outbreaks at nearby long-term care homes, group homes and shelters.
At the same time, the medical staff are worried Canadians are becoming less vigilant about physical distancing — even those who have the virus.
‘Almost an insult to what we’ve been doing’
During check-in c