The handling of the pandemic under review (with poll)

The report was expected to shed light on why 53 infection clusters were able to appear across different care institutions in the Grand Duchy. Additionally, the investigation set out to determine the overall state of affairs by comparing the homes to those of the greater region.

Waringo expressed regrets that authorities did not create an action plan during the calmest phases of the pandemic. Same as in education, the government had an opportunity to coordinate appropriate responses between institutions, but failed to do so.

The ministry recommendations sent out to care and retirement homes were said to have caused confusion among staff, particularly at the outbreak of the pandemic. Often, the guidelines' authors were unknown and staff did not know who to contact at the Ministry of Family and Integration or the Ministry of Health to gain further insight. In addition, the question of responsibility was often unclear.

The report made it clear that no management teams at the homes refused to implement the suggested guidelines - however, Waringo added that the lack of clarity regarding the recommendations had often led to uncertainty when setting out hygiene regulations for the establishments.

Waringo's team consisted of eight people in total, out of which half were foreign experts. They analysed eleven different institutions and talked to 18 members of their directorates, who each handed in a respective report of their pandemic measures.

At the beginning of his presentation, Waringo pointed out that is is unfortunate that his report is limited to senior and care homes, given that a similar analysis could be compiled for the entire handling of the pandemic. He thus referred to France, where a comparable enquiry has already been conducted.

Waringo's presentation was followed by a Q&A session, during which MPs address the report's contents. Another debate of the matter is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Niederkorn outbreak

Waringo addressed the specific case in a Niederkorn care home, where a major infection cluster was detected in early 2021, resulting in a high number of patient fatalities. Several factors were involved, including the building's age and design, which meant not all rooms were equipped with private toilets. The vaccination campaign, which sometimes took place in small rooms, was also launched late.

Waringo added that further analysis would be required to ascertain the full reason behind the many deaths at the home.