Sheila Yakovishin. (Photo via Unifor.org)Sheila Yakovishin. (Photo via Unifor.org)
Windsor

Windsor care worker of 30 years dies of COVID-19

A long-time health care worker is being mourned by many this weekend after she passed away from COVID-19 complications.

On Saturday, Unifor confirmed that Sheila Yakovishin passed away on Thursday at the age of 60 after she tested positive for COVID-19. She worked at the Berkshire Care Centre in Windsor for over 30 years. As of January 2, the care facility remains in outbreak status with a total of 82 residents and 32 staff who have tested positive.

“On behalf of our union, I express the deepest condolences to Sheila’s family and all those who knew and loved her. Unifor mourns with you, as we decry her preventable death,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Many care homes in the area continue to experience severe COVID-19 outbreaks, with some having more than 100 residents and staff infected.

“These rising statistics of infections among workers in Windsor’s for-profit long-term care centres are more than numbers. They are people like Sheila, with full lives to live, people who deserve like we all do, to come home safe from work,” said Tullio DiPonti, President of Unifor Local 2458.

There are currently 20 long-term care or retirement homes in COVID-19 outbreak in Windsor-Essex.

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