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Study: Long-term care residents make up most of Canadian COVID-19 deaths

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A new study is painting a bleak picture of how COVID-19 has affected Canada’s long-term care homes.

According to the data,  81 per cent of Canadian COVID-19 deaths occurred in long-term care facilities.

That compares with an average of 42 per cent of deaths in 16 other developed nations.

It’s more than double the 31 per cent rate in the U.S.

There are many variables that could be affecting these numbers, including reporting gaps around the world and higher overall death rates.

For example, because the U.S. death rate is higher than in Canada, the long-term care deaths result in a lower percentage.

Still, the Canadian Institute for Health Information says the information offers insight into issues with long-term care.

Many have pointed to long-standing concerns like inadequate staffing, resources and inconsistent standards as part of the problem.

In Ontario, 2,641 people have died from the virus.

Of those, 1,689 – or almost 64 per cent – have been residents of long-term care.

At a news conference Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said long-term care is under provincial jurisdiction.

He did offer federal support if asked by the provinces.

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