COVID-19 Epidemiological Update, December 10, 2020: Concerning trends in key indicators, high risk of a resurgence of the epidemic

CP_pe_covid_101220.pdf

Published on 11 December 2020

Press Contacts

Santé publique France
presse@santepubliquefrance.fr

Stéphanie Champion: 01 41 79 67 48
Marie Delibéros: 01 41 79 69 61
Camille Le Hyaric: 01 41 79 68 64

Published weekly, the epidemiological update on COVID-19 surveillance provides a detailed analysis of the various indicators established by Santé publique France and its network of partners to track the progression of the epidemic and guide public policy decisions. In week 49, after four consecutive weeks of sharp declines, the indicators are trending significantly less favorably and remain at a high level. As in the previous week, more than 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, on average, each day in France. This trend requires redoubled vigilance to prevent a resurgence of the epidemic in the coming weeks. The consistent adoption of preventive measures and social distancing must be strengthened.

Very slight decline in indicators, following four weeks of sharp drops

After four weeks of sharp decline, the indicators have leveled off and remain at high levels. In week 49, the number of new cases confirmed by RT-PCR and antigen tests is estimated at 72,121, down from 76,500—a 6% decrease—far below the levels observed in previous weeks.

The positivity rate, which includes antigen tests and the new definition of tested individuals (Press Release on Changes in Indicators), is stabilizing. It stands at 6.4% in week 49 versus 6.5% in week 48, a change of -0.1 percentage points.

New hospitalizations (8,424 in week 49 vs. 9,247 in week 48) and intensive care admissions (1,127 in week 49 vs. 1,346 in week 48) have seen a moderate decline (9% and 16%, respectively) compared to the previous week.

COVID-19-related mortality remains very high, with 2,589 new deaths recorded in week 49 and varying trends across regions. The 19.2% decrease currently observed, compared to week 48 when the number of new deaths was 3,204, remains to be confirmed in the coming weeks due to the longer consolidation period for mortality data and the later occurrence of death in the course of the disease.

Adhering to preventive measures is essential in the face of an increased risk of a resurgence of the epidemic

The trend of the epidemic observed in week 49 suggests a high risk of a resurgence in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the coming weeks in France and calls for the utmost vigilance, particularly in the context of the year-end holidays. Even today, the adoption by everyone of individual preventive measures in private settings, combined with collective measures, remains the only way to limit the circulation of the virus and contain the epidemic.

Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 must immediately self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible. The use of digital tools (TousAntiCovid) is also recommended to strengthen contact tracing and rapid isolation efforts.

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