Key Points

In week 37 of 2020 (September 7–13), testing activity increased compared to the previous week, with 114,977 RT-PCR tests performed. The number of new biologically confirmed cases is rising and stands at 2,339 (+37% compared to the previous week). This number has nearly quadrupled since the lifting of lockdown measures (616 new infections were recorded in week 21 of 2020). The regional incidence rate now stands at 42.4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 1,707 new cases, representing an incidence of 31 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 36 of 2020). However, it remains significantly lower than the rate observed at the national level (86.5 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Three-quarters (76%) of new cases identified in week 36 of 2020 are under the age of 50 (42% are aged 20 to 39), 38% report being asymptomatic, and 50% symptomatic (information is not available for 12% of new cases).

In week 37 of 2020, viral circulation is increasing in nearly all departments of the region: the incidence rate is rising in 9 of them: Aube (36.5 per 100,000 inhabitants), Marne (67.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (61.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (55 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (26.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (28.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (50.7 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haut-Rhin (38.1 per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (18.1 per 100,000 inhabitants). Only the Ardennes have a stable incidence rate (25.6 per 100,000 inhabitants). The incidence rate exceeds the vigilance threshold (10 per 100,000 inhabitants) in all departments and exceeds the alert threshold (50 per 100,000 inhabitants) in the Marne, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Bas-Rhin. Given the rise in indicators observed since mid-July, which reflects the deterioration of the health situation, it is more imperative than ever to adhere to preventive measures and social distancing at all times in professional, family, and social settings. The rate of consultations (or teleconsultations) for acute respiratory infections (ARI) reported by the Sentinelles network has doubled (183 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 37 of 2020 compared to 92 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 36 of 2020). The number of emergency department visits for suspected COVID-19 at the region’s healthcare facilities and the number of consultations for suspected COVID-19 at the region’s five SOS Médecins associations has also increased compared to the previous week.

In week 37 of 2020, the number of new hospitalizations increased slightly compared to the previous week. The number of new admissions to intensive care units is stable compared to week 36 of 2020. While the current profile of new cases (tending to be younger and without major clinical symptoms) explains the limited impact of the increase in their numbers on the healthcare system, they nonetheless contribute to the spread of the virus. Furthermore, although it remains very modest for the time being, a trend toward increased COVID-19 activity in the healthcare system (SOS Médecins associations, emergency facilities, intensive care units, and general wards) has been observed since week 31 of 2020 (July 27–August 2).

As of September 9, 195 clusters or episodes of grouped cases have been identified in the region since May 11, 94 of which are currently under investigation. No uncontrolled occurrence of new cases outside the community and linked to these clusters has been reported.