Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 19, most epidemiological indicators continued to decline, but the virus is still circulating widely in Normandy. The impact of this decline, observed over the past four weeks, on hospital capacity remains moderate, and the number of new admissions to intensive care is rising again.

Furthermore, during holidays, testing activity is lower than on the same day of the week that is not a holiday. Incidence and testing rates are therefore lower, and the observed decline may mistakenly suggest a slowdown in the number of infections or tests. Ascension Thursday is thus associated with a more significant decline in virological indicators. An adjusted incidence rate is presented on page 7, showing a -6% change in the adjusted rate (178/100,000) compared to a -16% change in the raw rate (149/100,000).

This week is also marked by changes in the production of SI-DEP indicators incorporating the new pseudonymization method. The previous method overestimated the regional incidence rate by 11%, with no impact on monitoring the dynamics of the epidemic.

As health restrictions are gradually lifted, it is essential to maintain a high level of adherence to individual prevention measures, testing, and the isolation of cases and contacts. It is imperative to remind everyone of their individual responsibility to adhere to these protective measures and contact restrictions to keep the observed trend on a downward trajectory. Finally, it is important to encourage eligible individuals who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated.