Opposition demands Corinne Cahen's resignation

The report, which followed an inquiry into the handling of the pandemic within care homes for the elderly, was the subject of debate among MPs on Tuesday.

Cahen said in future, an ethics committee should be tasked with issues concerning residents in care homes, covering all ethical queries.

There should also be a uniform framework for evaluating the quality of such a home. A permanent commission will be created to make recommendations for the government, with a mediator for the sector.

This was not sufficient for CSV MP Michel Wolter, speaking on behalf of the opposition, who filed a motion to have Cahen step down from her position. The report clearly showed the ministerial challenges in question required a strong figure, he said, and the opposition parties had lost confidence in Cahen's ability to execute her duties.

He claimed Cahen had failed to assume responsibility and should therefore face consequences. Wolter added that the other four opposition party leaders were in agreement that Cahen should tender her resignation as part of her political responsibility.

1,958 infections in care/retirement homes, 345 deaths 

"In total, 113 clusters were identified in the care homes, equating to 1.6 clusters per home. The clusters yielded around 27.7 cases, two-thirds of which were residents and a third of which were staff. The average duration of these clusters lasted around a month," said Joël Mossong, an epidemiologist with the Department of Health. In 54% of cases a resident tested positive for the first time, with a member of staff testing positive first in 40% of cases.

Minister of Health Paulette Lenert said officials had been on the ground throughout the pandemic but not everything had been documented. The crisis was said to have reduced the administrative burden; however, Lenert acknowledged that communication could have been clearer.

The Niederkorn cluster showed the major differences between different care homes, with older homes requiring significant renovations to become fit for purpose during the crisis. In addition, Lenert said she regretted the impact on staff mental health in the homes, particularly during recent months.