Key Points

In Week 31, epidemiological indicators showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to circulate widely in the Île-de-France region, with the incidence rate stabilizing. The situation remained dire amid a continuing rise in new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, declining public adherence to preventive measures, and still-incomplete vaccination coverage.

In Île-de-France, the regional incidence rate for Week 31 remained stable for the second consecutive week after four weeks of increases, standing at 191 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This regional stability, however, masked disparities among departments, with an increase in the incidence rate observed in 6 of the 8 departments in the Île-de-France region. Unlike in Week 30, the regional testing rate decreased in Week 31. The positivity rate, meanwhile, remained stable.

In Week 30, the proportion of primary care visits for “suspected COVID-19” rose slightly among SOS Médecins providers and continued to increase in emergency departments. At the hospital level, the impact of the rise in the number of new cases observed in previous weeks continued, with a less pronounced increase than in Week 30 in new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care. The number of new deaths in hospitals among COVID-19 patients increased for the third consecutive week.

As of August 9, 66.1% of the Île-de-France population of all ages had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 55.4% were fully vaccinated. The rate of increase in vaccination coverage slowed significantly in Week 31 compared to Week 30 across all age groups.

Against a backdrop of significant viral circulation, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, and summer vacations, vaccination of all eligible individuals—particularly those in contact with vulnerable people—must continue to be strongly encouraged. At the same time, it is also essential to maintain a high level of adherence to preventive measures, particularly compliance with protective measures, limiting risky contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.