Presenting the pandemic figures to the members of the family and integration commission on 12 January, Cahen alongside Health Directorate epidemiologist Dr. Joël Mossong reassured that “the health situation in care homes is generally good”.

“Of the 42 people who are currently positive, none are seriously ill, and they have very few, if any, symptoms. In the networks, the number of positive cases is 57, with one person in supported housing and the other 56 at home,” said Cahen.

The ministry’s figures indicate that 60% of staff in care homes have had a booster shot of an anti-covid vaccine. Although these numbers are lower than those in hospital staff (66%) they are still above the national average.

“The effects of the vaccine are visible,” said Dr. Mossong.

There are very small regional variations with differences in regions close to France where the incidence rate is higher than in Germany, pointed out Dr. Mossong.

Measures related to access for family members and residents to care homes and Cipa (Centre intégré pour personnes âgées) have been reinforced. People are submitted to the CovidCheck 3G regime and a mandatory rapid test on site. While covid-19 infections among care staff are said to originate outside of the care homes.