Death rate in Covid-19 hit nursing homes 'more than double' normal level

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The number of deaths recorded in nursing homes with Covid-19 outbreaks was “more than double” the normal or standardised mortality rate expected over a three-month period, a new research study has found.

The study, led by the Department of Age-Related Healthcare at Tallaght hospital, analysed Covid-19 infection and mortality rates at 28 nursing homes in the eastern region of the country, 21 of which had viral outbreaks between February 29 and May 22. Four nursing homes had no outbreaks and three facilities had staff-related infections that were not deemed Covid-19 outbreaks.