8 COVID-19 deaths reported at Scarborough long-term care home

Eight residents of the Seven Oaks Long Term Care Home in Scarborough have died as result of COVID-19 amid an outbreak at the facility, Toronto Public Health says.

The ages of the residents who died range from their 60s to their 90s — six of these eight are over 85 years old, according to Toronto Public Health spokesperson Dr. Elizabeth Rea.

The public health agency says it is aware of a total of 18 outbreaks currently occurring in long-term care homes across the city as of Wednesday morning. An outbreak is defined as simply one lab-confirmed positive test involving a resident or staff member.

Six of those deaths were reported overnight, the agency says. Four people died at Seven Oaks, one died at Extendicare Bayview (SouthWest Unit), and one died at the Rekai Centre at Sherbourne Place.

"We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this difficult time," Rea said.

Seven Oaks has had 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among 14 residents, including the eight who died, and nine staff members. No staff members have died.

Rea said there are 54 probable resident cases at Seven Oaks.

According to the city's website, 249 residents live at the facility, which was built in 1988.

The other outbreaks are occurring at the following long-term care homes:

  • St. Clair O'Connor Community Inc. with six confirmed cases involving three residents and three staff.

  • Extendicare Bayview (SouthWest Unit) with 4 confirmed cases involving two residents, including one who died in a COVID-linked death, and two staff. The resident who died was in their 90s.

  • West Park Healthcare Centre with four confirmed cases involving two residents and two staff.

  • Chartwell Gibson with three confirmed cases involving residents.

  • Rekai Centre at Sherbourne Place with four confirmed cases involving four residents, including one death. The resident who died was in their 60s.

  • Elm Grove Living Centre with one confirmed case involving a staff person.

  • West Side with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Eatonville with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Cedarvale Terrace with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Vermont Square with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Rockcliffe with one confirmed case involving a resident.

  • Altamont Community Care Centre with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Kensington Gardens with one confirmed case involving a resident.

  • Sunnybrook Veterans Centre with one confirmed case involving a resident.

  • McCall Centre long term care unit with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • Baycrest Apotex Long Term Care Home with one confirmed case involving a staff member.

  • House of Providence Long Term Care Home with one confirmed case involving a resident.

There are two active outbreaks in retirement home settings:

  • Terrace Gardens Retirement Residence with three confirmed resident cases and one staff case.

  • Village of Humber Heights Retirement Home with one confirmed case involving a resident.

As of April 1, Toronto Public Health has reported 653 COVID-19 cases in the city, with another 165 probable cases.

There have been 75 people hospitalized and 19 deaths, according to the city's website as of Wednesday afternoon.