Key Points

In Week 53 (December 28, 2020, to January 3, 2021) in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, early epidemiological indicators of SARS-CoV-2 circulation (SOS Médecins consultations, incidence, emergency room visits) increased by nearly 10% compared to the previous week. The number of new reports in the ESMS and hospital mortality are also rising, though to a lesser extent, even as the number of confirmed cases in the ESMS continues to decline.

In contrast, the number of new hospitalizations for COVID-19 is declining slightly at the regional level but remains high, with varying trends across departments. On January 6, there were 4,168 people hospitalized, including 383 in intensive care. The number of new hospitalizations and new intensive care admissions continued to decline slowly in week 53 (–2% and –7%, respectively). Note that a one-week lag between early indicators and hospitalizations is expected.

Following the regional testing campaign conducted before Christmas, testing rates have fallen sharply in week 53. Furthermore, unlike the situation last September and October, the incidence in metropolitan areas is not higher than that of their respective departments, indicating widespread viral circulation in the region, particularly in rural and suburban areas. The rise in COVID-19 indicators—which signals persistently high viral circulation—aligns with the national trend and affects all departments in the region except Cantal. It is likely a consequence of population mixing associated with the start of the year-end holidays.

Allier has the highest incidence and hospitalization rate in the region. Drôme and Haute-Savoie also have high incidence rates that have been rising steadily for several days, with a slight increase in new hospitalizations in Drôme but not in Haute-Savoie.