2nd COVID-19 outbreak declared at Markham group home where 6 residents died

A secondoutbreak has been declared at a Markham group home that saw the death of six residentssince the beginning of the pandemic, according to York Region Public Health.

The health agency confirmed that a caregiver from Participation House, a facility for adults with developmental and physical disabilities,tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

As of Saturday morning, the agency's website lists the outbreak as active. The first outbreak was declared over back in June.

In April, the homewas under a state of emergency when dozens of staff walked out, citing staff and supply shortages as reasons for their walkout.

The home told CBC News that all staff members who worked directly with the infected caregiverhave been tested and allhad negative results. Staff are ready and prepared to deal with the outbreak, the home said.

"Although we remain hopeful that this is an isolated case, full outbreak protocols are in place, with our priority being the ongoing health and well-being of our residents and staff," ShelleyBrillinger, the home's executive director, saidin a statement.

Staff members willcontinue to work with York Region Public Health "on a daily basisto ensure all recommended infection prevention and control measures are followed," Brillinger added.

Management ofthe home, meanwhile,will meet with public health officials to assess the outbreak, she said.