Corona current: mass outbreak in the retirement home

Corona current
Mass outbreak in old people's home: half of the residents infected

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The corona virus continues to spread in old people's homes. One facility in Switzerland was hit particularly hard: half of the residents were infected.

The corona pandemic continues: In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute reported a new high in new infections on Thursday – despite measures. The corona virus is also continuing to spread in neighboring countries. In Switzerland, a care manager is now reporting a mass outbreak in his retirement home in Winterthur.

Corona outbreak in the retirement home

In an interview with SRF, the employee describes the current situation in the home. With 51 out of 105, almost half of the residents have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Six of them showed severe corona symptoms, three would be treated in the hospital – and one resident has already died.

In addition, 17 employees of the facility are currently said to have become infected. The entire retirement home is now under quarantine. The numerous corona infections were uncovered after four residents felt symptoms. A mass test was then carried out – with shocking results.

The retirement home is said to have taken all hygiene measures and how the coronavirus was carried into the facility is unclear, the employee said in an interview with SRF. Now all residents are isolated in their rooms, which is an enormous burden for them. That is why the nursing supervisor generally wants stricter rules – because the situation in the old people's home would always also reflect the infection rate in society. A lockdown, in turn, could also relieve the institution, as was the case in the first wave.

There is currently a debate in Germany about tightening the current "lockdown light". Chancellor Angela Merkel appealed to the common sense in an emotional address on Wednesday, but also pleaded for stricter measures. Everything has to be done to stop the growth.

Sources used: NDR, SRF