New estimates suggest almost half of all Europe’s coronavirus deaths occurred in care homes

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New estimates suggest almost half of all Europe’s coronavirus deaths occurred in care homes.

World Health Organisation’s regional director for the continent, Dr Hans Kluge, said a ‘deeply concerning picture’ is emerging.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday he said: “According to estimates from countries in the European region, up to half of those who have died from Covid-19 were resident in long-term care facilities.”

Europe’s coronavirus deaths in Europe has topped 100,000.

Kluge said the data shows the government needs to invest significantly in social care.

“This pandemic has shone a spotlight on the overlooked and undervalued corners of our society. Across the European region, long-term care has often been notoriously neglected. But it should not be this way,” he said.

“Looking to the future, transitioning to a new normal, we have a clear investment case for setting up integrated, person-centred long-term care systems in each country.”

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, recently said the number of UK deaths in care facilities is probably an ‘underestimate.’

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Lizzie Day

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