Key Points

In Week 38 of 2020 (September 14–20), testing activity decreased compared to the previous week, with 115,475 RT-PCR tests performed. The number of new biologically confirmed cases is rising, reaching 2,572 (+7% compared to the previous week). This number has quadrupled since the lifting of lockdown measures (616 new infections were recorded in week 21 of 2020). The regional incidence rate
now stands at 46.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 44 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 37 of 2020, or 2,412 new cases). However, it remains significantly lower than the rate observed at the national level (103.8 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Three-quarters (75%) of new cases identified in week 38 of 2020 are under 50 years of age (44% are aged 20–39), 36% report being asymptomatic, and 51% symptomatic (information is not available for 13% of new cases).

In week 38 of 2020, viral circulation is increasing in most departments in the region: the incidence rate is rising in 6 of them: the Ardennes (39.2 per 100,000 inhabitants), the Marne (89.7 per 100,000 inhabitants), the Meuse (29.7 per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (35.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (56.9 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haut-Rhin (36.6 per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (19.5 per 100,000 inhabitants). Aube (35.5 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (27.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), and Meurthe-et-Moselle (53 per 100,000 inhabitants), on the other hand, have a lower incidence rate than the previous week. The incidence rate exceeds the vigilance threshold (10 per 100,000 inhabitants) in all departments and surpasses the alert threshold (50 per 100,000 inhabitants) in Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Bas-Rhin. In light of the current resurgence of the epidemic, 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 in-person and telemedicine consultations for acute respiratory infections (ARI) reported by the Sentinelles network has decreased slightly (123 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 38 of 2020 compared to 147 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 37 of 2020). The number of emergency room 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 risen slightly compared to the previous week.

In week 38 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 37 of 2020. While the current profile of new cases (tending to be young 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 23, 224 clusters or clusters of cases have been identified in the region since May 11, 110 of which are currently under investigation. No uncontrolled emergence of new cases outside the community and linked to these clusters has been reported.