More people died in Norfolk care homes than in any other local authority last week, figures from the Office for National Statistics show.
103 deaths were reported to the Care Quality Commission between 23 and 29 January, the stats show.
UNISON Norfolk County branch secretary Jonathan Dunning said: “Nearly a year into this pandemic there are no excuses for the rising death tolls in Norfolk’s care homes. Behind these grim statistics are hundreds more mourning friends and relatives they haven’t been allowed to see since last March.
“Care homes were identified as being incredibly high risk right at the start of the pandemic but still government ministers have been slow to vaccinate care residents and staff, leaving it too late for many.
“It is vital that care staff are properly looked after and protected from the virus so they can properly look after residents. That means ensuring that staff are fully paid when they have to self-isolate or take time off with Covid.
“Government cash is there for it, but it hasn’t been ring fenced and we know it’s not always getting to care staff. It’s not good enough.”
UNISON is fighting for a fair deal for care workers.