Dr. Tam: Almost half of Canada's coronavirus deaths are in long-term care homes

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's top medical officer, said that nearly half of the COVID-19 deaths in Canada were in long term care homes, a frightening reminder of how vulnerable some communities are.

“Of the cases where we have the data on whether someone was in a long-term care facility or seniors residence, we know that close to half of the deaths that we’re tracking are linked to long-term care facilities,” said Tam on Monday.

“But that ratio is actually different in different provinces,” she continued. “We need to protect our seniors, so stay home and save lives.”

“Residents of long-term care homes are vulnerable to infections due to their communal living spaces, shared healthcare providers, exposure to external visitors, and transfers from other healthcare facilities,” Tam said.

The conference took place after the shocking revelation that a Quebec long term care home saw 31 deaths, among other shocking details of neglect.

A public health investigation is under way at the home.

Protocols for long term care homes have involved the restriction of visitors and volunteers, screenings for staff, mandatory mask usage along with other protective wear, cancelling outings, and reducing staff to lower the chances of community spread.

Testing has been made a top priority for long term care workers and residents. Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that the rate of testing for essential workers was "unacceptable."