Key Points

• In Week 37, virological and hospital indicators in Île-de-France continued to decline, pointing to a decrease in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, circulation remained high in the region. The situation requires close monitoring given the start of the school year and the return of residents to the region, the widespread circulation of the Delta variant, declining public adherence to preventive measures, and an incomplete vaccination coverage rate whose progress appears to be slowing.

• In Île-de-France, the regional incidence rate for week 37 continued to decline for the fifth consecutive week, reaching 86 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The testing rate also continued to decline in the region, reflecting a decrease among those aged 15–64, while remaining stable among older adults (65 and older) and increasing among children (under 15). The positivity rate decreased across all age groups.

• In week 37, the proportion of primary care visits for “suspected COVID-19” decreased at SOS Médecins clinics and in emergency departments. At the hospital level, the number of new hospitalizations and new admissions to intensive care units decreased, confirming the improvement in the hospital situation. However, the number of reported deaths in hospitals among COVID-19 patients remained at a “high” plateau reached 5 weeks ago, fluctuating around 75 deaths per week. The number of deaths from all causes and across all age groups in Île-de-France remained within the usual fluctuation range since week 19 of 2021.

• As of September 23, 73.5% of the Île-de-France population of all ages had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 69.6% were fully vaccinated. The increase in vaccination coverage with at least one dose remained low and had stabilized across all age groups.

• Against a backdrop of significant viral circulation, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, and the return from summer vacations, vaccination of all eligible individuals—particularly those in contact with vulnerable people—must be strongly encouraged with the goal of achieving a sufficient level of herd immunity as quickly as possible and avoiding further strain on hospitals.

• Alongside vaccination, it is also essential to maintain a high level of adherence to preventive measures, particularly the observance of protective measures, limiting risky contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.