5 Willowgrove residents have died amid COVID-19 outbreak at Ancaster home

Five residents at an Ancaster nursing home have died after testing positive for COVID-19 during anoutbreak of the virus that's now spread to more than 50 people.

A spokesperson for Chartwell Retirement Residences says the outbreak at Willowgrove Long Term Care hadinfected 33 residents and 20 staff members, as of Sunday.

"Sadly, we can confirm thedeathof five residents," wrote Janine Reed in an email.

"Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family and loved ones of this individual. We know this is also difficult news for our staff and community of family members."

Reed said one Willowgrove resident is currently in hospital, adding 12 residents and 10 staff members have since been "declared COVID-free."

The home is working with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and public health and is following government directives, she said.

"We have in place heightened infection control protocols, screening, monitoring and safety procedures, including PPE, to reduce as much as possible further risk of transmission."

Fifty-three people in Hamilton who had COVID-19 have died, according to an update from the city Sunday.

However, statistics on the city's website are based on data shared with public health the previous afternoon and appear to exclude one of the Willowgrove deaths.

The city also provided a different case total than Chartwell. Its website detailed51 cases (31 residents and 20 staff members) at Willowgroveas of Sunday.

One of those staff cases inan "essential visitor" or "other," according to a note added at the bottom of the chart outlining the 18 outbreaks that were ongoing.