Key Points

In week 42 of 2020 (October 12–18), testing activity increased after a sharp decline in weeks 39 and 40, with 134,138 RT-PCR tests performed (compared to 97,704 in week 41 of 2020). The number of new biologically confirmed cases rose sharply compared to the previous week, with 8,727 cases (compared to 5,155 the previous week). This number has increased 14-fold since the lifting of lockdown measures (616 new infections in week 21 of 2020). The regional positivity rate is also rising, at 8.8% (compared to 7.1% in week 41 of 2020). The incidence rate continues to rise and now stands at 159 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 93.5 in week 41). It remains, however, well below the national incidence rate, which stands at 253.8 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 182 in week 41 of 2020).

The increase in viral circulation now affects all age groups. Just under two-thirds (65.1%) of new cases tested in week 42 of 2020 are under 50 years old, and 36% are between 20 and 39 years old (these figures were 78% and 46%, respectively, in early September). More than one-third (35.7%) report being asymptomatic and 55.4% symptomatic (information is not available for 8.9% of new cases), whereas symptomatic cases accounted for 38% in early September.

In week 42 of 2020, viral circulation is accelerating across the entire region; all departments are experiencing a sharp increase in the incidence rate.

The number of new hospitalizations and the number of new admissions to intensive care units for COVID-19 also increased significantly compared to week 41 of 2020 (up 46% and 81%, respectively). Over the first three days of the week, COVID-19 activity in healthcare facilities already exceeded that of week 41 of 2020.

As of October 22, 391 clusters or clusters of cases have been identified in the region since May 11, of which 201 (+36 compared to the previous week) are currently under investigation. No uncontrolled emergence of new cases outside the community and linked to these clusters has been reported.