Impact of Covid on homes for the elderly in Europe

The WHO estimates 55.000 deaths in care homes in Europe

The regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) office for Europe, the doctor Hans Kluge, describes the situation as "an unimaginable human tragedy"

The regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) office for Europe, the doctor Hans Kluge, declared today that the health situation in care homes is deeply concerning and that half of all deaths from Covid-19 in Europe, or about 55.000 elderly people, have occurred in such facilities.

According to WHO figures, 50% of the global 50% global burden of cases of the novel coronavirus, about 2,6 million, are in Europe. The region, among those most affected by the pandemic, has already recorded around 110.000 deaths. Currently they are counted daily, more than 25% of new cases and 33% more fatalities are currently recorded daily.

Kluge said the situation in care homes is "concerning" and called it "an unimaginable human tragedy". He also warned that all countries should invest in them to improve services. "Very old people have a good chance of recovery from this infection", he said.

According to Kluge, there are numerous aspects that should be improved in care homes such as prioritising testing among elderly residents and staff. He also stressed that, separate wards or spaces should be set up for Covid-19 patients to avoid contagion among residents.

He also recommended, that healthcare staff should receive proper training and increased remuneration. It is vital for those workers to have PPE and other essential supplies to protect themselves. "My message today remains one of caution while carefully easing restrictions, as complacency could be our worst enemy at this time", he added.

On Spain, Kluge pointed to data received, from WHO, indicating an encouraging decline in new COVID-19 cases. However, he added "my message today remains one of caution while carefully easing restrictions, as complacency could be our worst enemy at this time".

 

Source: ABC

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