Ninth person dies at Markham long-term care home fighting COVID-19 outbreak

TORONTO -- A ninth resident at a Markham long-term care home has died following a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti confirmed the woman's death at Markhaven Home for Seniors in a post on Twitter on Sunday. 

"Sad news this Easter Sunday, a woman, 102-year-old, has passed away at Markhaven Home for Seniors, this marks the 9th COVID-19 related death at the home," Scarpitti said in a tweet.

"Our deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and loved ones."

Sad news this Easter Sunday, a woman, 102 years old, has passed away at Markhaven Home for Seniors, this marks the 9th #COVID19 related death at the home. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and loved ones.

— Mayor Frank Scarpitti (@frankscarpitti) April 12, 2020

Previously, on Sunday April 5, an 85-year-old woman at the facility died after contracting the virus. A day later, an 80-year -old man also passed away. On Saturday, Scarpitti reported that a 83-year-old woman also died at the home.

The outbreak at the facility began on March 21 and several staff members have also tested positive since then.

Long-term care homes in Ontario have been disproportionately affected by the spread of the novel coronaivurs.

There are currently 86 outbreaks at long-term care homes in Ontario. So far, 114 long-term care home residents have died as a result of the outbreaks.