The counters go wild in retirement homes.
While the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 has “clearly increased” last week, this trend is likely to be accentuated because of the increase in contamination among the elderly, especially in nursing homes, according to weekly data published on Friday .
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"The increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 among residents of nursing homes raises fears of an increase in deaths in the coming weeks," warns the French public health agency in its weekly update.
During the week of October 19 to 25, the number of confirmed cases in medico-social establishments, including nursing homes, increased sharply (+ 84% compared to the previous week).
A particularly marked movement in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Hospitalizations multiplied by eight
This observation concerns all people aged over 65, even those who do not live in nursing homes: the health agency indeed notes a "significant spread of the epidemic" in this age group.
"Compared to early September, the number of cases has increased sevenfold among 65-74 year olds and eightfold among those over 75 years old," said Christine Campèse, epidemiologist at Public Health France, during a point online press release.
Likewise, the number of hospitalizations for people over 65 has increased eightfold compared to the beginning of September and the number of intensive care admissions by seven. For the week of October 19 to 25, hospitalizations for people over 65 increased by 44% compared to the previous one.
The number of confirmed cases jumped 68% among 65-74 year olds and 89% among those over 75.
Indicators that lead to fear a greater number of deaths in the coming weeks, since the elderly are particularly likely to be seriously affected by the disease.
“92% of deceased Covid-19 cases are aged 65 and over.
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The number of deaths in nursing homes type is also "increasing since early September".
Even if the latest figures are not yet consolidated, Public Health France estimates the number of deaths at "29 per day on average in establishment".
"This remains however much lower than what was observed at the time of the peak of the epidemic in March, with an average number of deaths in establishment which went up to 200 per day", notes the health agency.
