Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 06, the decline in SARS-CoV-2 circulation accelerated in Normandy, with an incidence rate of 1,123 per 100,000 inhabitants (-52% compared to Week 1); however, epidemic levels remained high. The positivity rate fell to 29.7% (-4.6 percentage points), as did the testing rate (-44%). These rates were declining in all departments. The proportion of A0C0 samples (compatible with Omicron) was over 99%. Indicators of hospital and outpatient activity showed sharp declines. The decline in the number of hospitalized patients and new admissions in the general hospital sector and critical care units affected all departments. Among new hospitalizations, two-thirds were for COVID-19. Mortality in hospitals and long-term care facilities remained stable but high. As of February 15, 81.3% of Normandy residents aged 5 and older had received a full primary vaccination series, and nearly 79.8% of eligible individuals had received their booster dose.

Influenza

Pre-epidemic phase: In week 06, the proportion of emergency department visits for influenza and influenza-like illnesses was decreasing across all age groups and remained below the 2019–2020 level. Activity and the number of influenza-related consultations at SOS Médecins were declining and lower than those observed in 2019–2020. The incidence rate of flu-like illnesses reported by the Sentinelles network was also decreasing. The number and proportion of isolated influenza viruses were slightly increasing.

Bronchiolitis

Non-epidemic phase: In week 06, emergency department visits for bronchiolitis were decreasing, and activity was low. The number of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit was down (-16% compared to week 05). The number of SOS Médecins consultations for bronchiolitis in children under 2 years of age was increasing, and activity was moderate. The number and proportion of isolated RSV cases among hospitalized patients remained stable compared to Week 05 (5 at Caen University Hospital and 15 at Rouen University Hospital). During the weekend of February 12–13, 2022, the number of children seen by the Normandy Bronchiolitis Network (31 children) and the number of physical therapy sessions provided (39 sessions) were stable compared to the previous weekend.

Acute Gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups in emergency departments and at SPOS clinics remained stable in week 06, with activity levels still high. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network showed a slight increase but remained below 2019–2020 levels.