Two more residents of Participation House in Markham have died, bringing the total to four.

The facility for adults with physical and mental disabilities has been grappling with a COVID-19 outbreak and staff shortages since just before the Easter long weekend.

Every one of its 42 residents tested positive for COVID-19, according to York Region Public Health.

According to Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, a man in his 70s, was transferred to Markham Stouffville Hospital, where he later died.

Scarpitti extended his condolences on Twitter on Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” he wrote.

Late Friday, Shelley Brillinger, executive director of Participation House Markham, confirmed to the Star that a fourth resident died in hospital Friday.

To date, 12 staff members have also tested positive for the virus.

Earlier this month, the Toronto Star reported that most of the personal support workers who typically staff the home walked out after the COVID-19 outbreak hit.

With files from David Venn

HR Heidi Riedner is a general assignment reporter for YorkRegion.com and its sister papers. Reach her via email: hriedner@yrmg.com

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