Key Points

COVID-19

• In week 43, the resurgence of the Covid-19 epidemic was confirmed in Normandy, with the incidence rate rising for the third consecutive week to 37 per 100,000 inhabitants and the effective reproduction number (Rt) remaining above 1.

• All departments in Normandy once again reported incidence rates above 30 per 100,000 inhabitants, particularly due to a significant increase in these rates in Orne (+62%) and Manche (+48%), while Seine-Maritime and Eure saw more moderate increases, and Calvados a slight decrease.

• Amid school holidays, a significant decrease in the testing rate was observed among children under 10.

• At the same time, the number of new hospitalizations was rising, but the observed number of new admissions to intensive care remained stable (13 in Week 43 compared to 14 in Week 42).

• As of November 2, 94.7% of Normandy residents aged 12 and older had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 93.1% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 75 and older, 34.6% had received a booster dose.

• Against the backdrop of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination among older adults who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as the administration of booster shots to eligible individuals (including those aged 65 and older), and to maintain high adherence to preventive measures, given the effectiveness of these measures observed to date in containing the epidemic and preserving the healthcare system.

Influenza

Non-epidemic phase: In week 43, we observe stable levels of use of emergency services and SOS Médecins for influenza. Influenza activity is low. No influenza virus was isolated this week in Normandy.

Bronchiolitis

Epidemic phase: In week 43, there was an increase in emergency department visits and a sharp rise in the number of SOS Médecins calls for bronchiolitis. Activity is high and exceeds that observed in previous years at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments. The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients is rising (16 at Caen University Hospital and 62 at Rouen University Hospital in week 43). Over the weekend of October 29–November 1, 2021, 145 children were seen by the Normandy Bronchiolitis Network, and 268 physical therapy sessions were conducted.

Gastroenteritis

Epidemic phase: In week 43, there was an increase in emergency department visits and a sharp rise in the number of SOS Médecins calls for bronchiolitis. Activity levels are high and exceed those observed in previous years at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments. The number of isolated RSV cases among hospitalized patients is on the rise (16 at the Caen University Hospital and 62 at the Rouen University Hospital in week 43). Over the weekend of October 29–November 1, 2021, 145 children were seen by the Normandy Bronchiolitis Network, and 268 physical therapy sessions were conducted.