A further sign that Europe’s aged care homes are struggling to contain the virus.

France revealed 1,416 residents have so far died in its 7,400 aged care homes since the pandemic began.

The figures could be much higher however as not all of the country’s homes – which are home to over one million people – have passed on details of their cases or deaths.

France has now recorded over 8,000 COVID-19 deaths.

Over two-thirds of all the known aged home deaths have been registered in the Grand Est region – which shares the border with Germany and was the first region in France to be overwhelmed by infections – with one news agency reporting 570 deaths.

One care home director said he would usually see 10 deaths a year – instead, they have had five in March alone.

The aged care sector in France has called for blanket testing for all staff, citing the fact the virus often entering these homes through staff.

In early March, health authorities asked French aged care home staff to restrict visitors, wear gloves and masks and isolate residents suspected of having the virus.

However, one staff member in the Lyon region has told the media that as of last week in her aged care home, residents were still dining together and staff were not wearing masks.

Since then two staff had tested positive and four residents had become ill, she added.