Two additional deaths have now been reported at a Markham facility for vulnerable adults where virtually every resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

Participation Executive Director Shelley Brillinger confirmed the deaths in a news release issued on Tuesday morning.

The latest deaths bring the total number of Participation House residents who have died so far to six.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with these families and with all the families who have lost loved ones in recent weeks,” Brillinger said in the release.

No details have been provided about the two most recent residents to die after contracting COVID-19, at Participation House, though Brillinger said that both were being treated in hospital.

She said that there are now 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the facility's 42 residents and 38 cases among staff.

Thankfully, Brillinger said the facility’s staffing shortages have been somewhat alleviated thanks to support from the Markham Stouffville Hospital and several other community agencies.

The facility had previously said that it was down to less than one-third of its usual workforce after a number of unionized staff walked off the job over concerns about contracting the virus and others were instructed to self-isolate at home after testing positive themselves.

“Our continued gratitude goes out to our community partners for their exceptional support. We have had an outpouring of goodwill from local businesses, individuals and volunteers. It has meant a great deal during these challenging days making a huge difference in our ability to continue the fight,” Brillinger said in the release.

In a message posted to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti expressed his “deepest condolences” over the death of more residents at Participation House.

He said that the “hearts, thoughts and prayers” of Markham residents are “with their loved ones and the Participation House family.”