Pleas for the government to take over the responsibility of the Village at St. Clair long-term care facility continue as COVID-19 cases mount at the facility.
Unifor President Jerry Dias sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford Tuesday, asking the government to take over the facility and ensure it has enough staff to care for the residents.
According to the letter, there are currently 97 active cases of COVID-19 among residents and 50 among staff. Nine residents have passed away during the outbreak.
An update on the Schlegel Villages website indicates they have brought in additional staff in an effort to help employees during the outbreak.
“Every possible effort is being made to support the Village and its residents and we are grateful for the team members from five Villages who have volunteered to be there, as well as the many from our central Support Office who are also onsite. Our partners with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare have also sent a team, as well as team members with the LHIN and there are volunteers and essential caregivers who are also supporting,” it said.
The union says the attempts to bring in extra staff have not fully addressed the needs of the staff and residents.
Dias is asking the government to call in the armed forces or the Red Cross to help get the outbreak under control.