Evolution of the incidence of COVID-19 during the first five waves in residents and professionals of nursing homes in Normandy, France

Abstract

Background: Older adults living in nursing homes (NH) paid a heavy price to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite early and often drastic prevention measures.

Aims: To study the characteristics and the impact of the pandemic on NH residents and professionals over 2 years.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of COVID-19 clusters among residents and/or professionals in NH, from March 2020 to February 2022, in Normandy, France. We used data from the French mandatory reporting system, and cross-correlation analysis.

Results: The weekly proportion of NH with clusters was strongly correlated with population incidence (r > 0.70). Attack rates among residents and professionals were significantly lower in period 2 (vaccination rate in residents ≥ 50%) compared with periods 1 (waves 1 and 2) and 3 (Omicron variant ≥ 50%). Among residents, mortality and case fatality rates decreased drastically during periods 2 and 3.

Conclusion: Our study provides figures on the evolution of the pandemic in NH.

Keywords: COVID-19; Morbidity; Mortality; Nursing homes.