WHO on 'unimaginable tragedy' of care homes deaths

The World Health Organization said Thursday that up to half of all coronavirus deaths across Europe have been in nursing homes, calling it an "unimaginable tragedy".

Speaking at a briefing in Denmark, WHO Europe director Dr. Hans Kluge said a "deeply concerning picture" was emerging of the impact of COVID-19 on long-term homes for the elderly, where care had "often been notoriously neglected".

He went on to say that health workers in such facilities were often overworked and underpaid and called for them to be given more protective gear and support, describing them as the "unsung heroes" of the pandemic.