Members of the Canadian military will be deployed to a Vaughan long-term care home that is struggling to contain a COVID-19 outbreak, the private company that owns the home says.
Members of the Canadian military will be deployed to a Vaughan long-term care home that is struggling to contain a COVID-19 outbreak, the private company that owns the home says.
In a letter to families of residents on Saturday, Sienna Senior Living says the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will help in the “provision of care” at Woodbridge Vista Care Community, 5400 Steeles Ave W.
“This is good news for us, and will provide our organization with much-needed capacity during the time ahead,” Lois Cormack, president and CEO of Sienna Senior Living, said in the letter.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work closely with all partners to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Our sole focus is on ensuring residents’ and our health-care teams’ safety and well-being during this unprecedented time.”
The Ontario long-term care ministry said in an email that CAF members were at the home, a 224-bed facility, on Sunday to do an assessment.
“We are grateful for CAF’s continued support and we will have more news to share about next steps in the coming days,” the ministry said in the email.
The CAF itself declined to say when exactly the military will begin work at the home.
Hospital tasked with managing home
On Thursday, the Ontario government said it has appointed William Osler Health System to manage Woodbridge Vista Care Community temporarily because the home has been unable to contain the spread of COVID-19. The health system serves Brampton, Etobicoke and nearby communities.
Cormack said the home welcomes the support of the armed forces and the hospital.
There have been 22 deaths from COVID-19 of residents at the home, as of Saturday at 5 p.m., according to York Region. The home has had a total of 102 cases involving residents, including deaths, and 40 cases i