Key Points

COVID-19

The virus is spreading in Normandy as well as throughout France. It affects all age groups, particularly young adults (ages 20–30). Seine-Maritime, Eure, and Calvados are classified as areas with active virus circulation (ZCA).

As of September 13, 2020,

• Increase in incidence (56.5 in Week 37 vs. 42.8 in Week 36 cases/week/100,000 inhabitants) and positivity rate (4.6% in Week 37 vs. 4.0% in Week 36)

• Effective reproduction number (R_eff) stable based on positive PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2: 1.34 (1.30–1.39)

• Hospital data: 140 hospitalizations, including 15 in intensive care, on the rise

• Clusters - Cluster alert notifications: since May 11, 75 clusters have been recorded in the region, 20 of which are currently under investigation (10 in Seine-Maritime, 7 in Eure, and 3 in Calvados)

In week 37:

• SOS Médecins: on the rise (10.8% in W37 vs. 7.7% in W36)

• Hospital emergency departments (Oscour®): Low activity, increasing compared to the previous week (1.2% in W37 vs. 0.9% in W36)

• COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities: 16 reports, including 12 with confirmed cases in Week 37 (vs. 17 reports in Week 36)

An increase in the number of cases suspected of COVID-19 has been observed since Week 36 among those under 15, likely linked to the return to group settings at the start of the school year. This increase may reflect other conditions. Indeed, as is the case every year at this time, rhinoviruses are actively circulating.

Mortality (COVID-19 and all causes)

Rise in mortality in Normandy, likely linked to the heatwave observed in week 33. A special Heatwave BSP will be released on September 30.