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Ontario taking over management of five long-term care homes following scathing military report

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TORONTO -- The Ontario government is taking over the management of five additional long-term care homes following a scathing military report detailing what the premier called “gut-wrenching” conditions in the facilities.

Four of the five privately-owned homes-- Orchard Villa in Pickering, Altamount Care Community in Scarborough, Eatonville Care Centre in Etobicoke, Hawthorne Place in North York--were the subject of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) report that was released on Tuesday and made severe claims in terms of cleanliness, aggressive behavior of staff and general care of patients.

Some of the most startling allegations included bug infestations, incidents of force feeding leading to "audible choking," and patients who were heard “crying for help with staff not responding.”

The fifth is Camilla Care Centre in Mississauga, where at least 61 residents have died after contracting COVID-19 according to provincial data.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford made the announcement alongside Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton and the Minister of Health Christine Elliott at Queen’s Park.

"We've already taken over two homes because we had concerns and now we are moving to take over these five homes because in the face of those accusations, in the face of these problems, we will use every tool at our disposal,” Ford told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

"We need boots on the ground. I want eyes and ears in the homes that we're most worried about keeping close watch."

Earlier this week the province ordered two hospitals to oversee the management of two long-term care homes struggling to deal with outbreaks. As of May 25, Southlake Regional Health Centre was appointed to temporarily manage River Glen Haven Nursing Home, operated by ATK Group Limited, in Sutton, Ont. for 90 days

Humber River Hospital was ordered to manage Downsview Long-Term Care Home, operated by GEM Health Care Group, in North York.

Wednesday’s announcement marks the second time in which the province has availed itself of an emergency order allowing the government to manage these facilities and help curb the spread of COVID-19.

This is a developing news story. More to come.