Key Points

• In week 18 (May 3–9, 2021), epidemiological indicators of SARS-CoV-2 circulation were declining in Île-de-France. However, they remained at high levels, significantly higher than national indicators. Pressure on hospitals remained high, particularly in critical care units.

• The incidence rate for Week 18 in Île-de-France—290 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—continued to decline for the fifth consecutive week. Testing rates and positivity rates also continued to decline at both the regional and departmental levels. Despite these declines, incidence and positivity rates remained at high levels in all departments of the region and across all age groups. They must therefore be closely monitored in the coming weeks following the easing of containment measures.

• New hospitalizations, including those in intensive care, continued to decline in Week 18 but remained at high levels.

• Although the decline in these epidemiological indicators confirms the slowdown in viral circulation, the latter remained high in Île-de-France compared to other regions and compared to the period when the second lockdown was lifted.

• In this context, limiting contacts and travel, as well as the systematic adoption of preventive measures, are essential for everyone. Adherence to these individual preventive measures and the rapid progress of vaccination remain essential to allow for the easing of collective measures, maintain the observed downward trend, and preserve hospital capacity.