Summary

Epidemiological Situation in French Guiana as of July 2, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.

Since early March, more than 4,440 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in French Guiana: on average, nearly 200 cases have been confirmed each day since the last Epidemio Update.
The relative stabilization in the number of new confirmed cases each day should be interpreted with caution (very high test positivity rate).
It is also observed that, despite the strain on the healthcare system, the rate of increase remains lower than what has been observed in most countries (see page 2). This suggests a significant impact of early social distancing measures, the initial lockdown (implemented before the 20th case in French Guiana), and the intensive contact tracing carried out in French Guiana.
Some people with minor symptoms are not diagnosed or tested, and testing activity—which is among the most intensive in the world (pages 3 and 10)—remains uneven across the territory.
The most important indicators to monitor now are daily hospitalizations for COVID-19 in medical wards and intensive care units.
After rising sharply—with an average of two ICU admissions per day and a peak of five ICU admissions on June 25—a stabilization has been observed. The same trend is seen for general hospitalizations, although the average remains high at around 25 admissions per day.
The rate of consultations for acute respiratory infections has increased compared to last week (more than 360 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants), and one-third of these consultations are likely attributable to the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Visits to emergency departments for suspected COVID-19 remain at a high level, accompanied by visits for suspected dengue, which is currently epidemic.

As of July 2, 156 patients are hospitalized for COVID-19 in medical wards, including 25 in intensive care, in addition to 8 patients with severe cases transferred to intensive care units outside French Guiana.
The number of hospital deaths attributed to COVID-19 currently stands at 16.

The spread of the epidemic therefore appears to have slowed slightly in recent days in French Guiana, with varying levels of viral circulation and significant pressure on the hospital care system (medical and intensive care) and outpatient services. This trend remains to be confirmed.
The comprehensive measures implemented over the past several weeks—including intensive testing and widespread contact tracing to notify infected individuals and their contacts and help them take effective precautions—are likely contributing to the relative stabilization of the situation. Additional measures, such as extended curfews and even lockdowns in certain heavily affected neighborhoods, may also be beginning to yield results.

Now more than ever, vigilance and mobilization are essential to continue curbing this epidemic, with strict enforcement of preventive measures, particularly around people at risk of developing a severe form of the disease. These preventive measures apply to daily life but also to anyone with suggestive symptoms or a positive test result, as well as everyone in close contact with them, who must self-isolate for 14 days and wear a mask.