As many as half of all coronavirus deaths in Europe are residents of aged care facilities, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

Key points: The large number of aged care deaths from coronavirus has been described as a "human tragedy"

The large number of aged care deaths from coronavirus has been described as a "human tragedy" Europe accounts for half of all confirmed cases of coronavirus

Europe accounts for half of all confirmed cases of coronavirus The number of deaths in aged care homes has not been counted in the UK

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, described the number of aged care deaths as a "deeply concerning picture".

He called for governments to continue to care for the elderly during this crisis, saying flaws in aged care are being highlighted.

"This is an unimaginable human tragedy," Dr Kluge said from Denmark on Thursday.

"To the many who are experiencing this loss, my thoughts are with you.

"The way that such care facilities operate, how residents receive care, is providing pathways for the virus to spread."

These figures come less than a week after it was revealed about 2,000 aged care homes in the United Kingdom had recorded an outbreak of the virus.

The amount of aged care residents who have died in Britain is unknown, as the government has only counted those who have died in hospital.

Aged care charities say older coronavirus victims are being "airbrushed" from the UK's daily COVID-19 death toll. ( Reuters: Hannah Mackay )

Europe has accounted for roughly half of all confirmed cases of coronavirus.

While there were some encouraging signs in parts of the continent, Dr Kluge said the worst was certainly not over.

"Complacency could be our worst enemy at this time," he said.

"We cannot permit ourselves to believe we are secure and safe.

"Any steps to ease social- and physical-distancing measures must be carefully considered and gradually undertaken."