Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 09, there was a slight increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Normandy, with an incidence rate of 612 per 100,000 inhabitants (+8%), reflecting high epidemic levels. The positivity rate was rising (+1 percentage point), as was the testing rate (+3%). The increase in the incidence rate was observed across all departments. This increase was seen in the 0–9 age group in all departments and, to a lesser extent, in the 30–39 age group in certain departments. For other age groups, incidence rates remained stable.

The proportion of D1 samples (strong suspicion of Omicron) was 96.2%. Hospital activity indicators (incidence and prevalence of hospitalizations, including those in critical care) continued to decline. However, emergency department activity and the number of calls handled by SOS Médecins for suspected COVID-19 cases were on the rise. The number of deaths in hospitals was decreasing. As of March 8, 73.9% of Normandy residents over the age of 12 had received their booster dose.

Flu

Transition to epidemic phase. In week 09, the number of emergency department visits was rising sharply but remained below the level observed in 2019–2020. Activity and the number of flu-related consultations at SOS Médecins were rising sharply but remained below those observed in 2019–2020. The incidence rate of influenza-like illness reported by the Sentinelles network was also on the rise.

Bronchiolitis

Activity in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins is low. The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients was low. During the weekend of March 5–6, 2022, the number of children seen by the Normandy Bronchiolitis Network (25 children) as well as the number of physical therapy sessions performed (30 sessions) were up compared to the previous weekend.

Acute gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups in emergency departments increased in week 9 and remained at a high level, exceeding that of the 2019–2020 season. The number of AGE consultations at SOS Médecins decreased slightly, though activity levels remained high and similar to those of 2019–2020. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was decreasing and at a level similar to that of 2019–2020.