Key Points

COVID-19

• In the Pays de la Loire region, the deterioration in the epidemiological situation that began in Week 26 continued markedly in Week 29 before slowing in Week 30. The increase in SARS-CoV-2 transmission was more moderate in Week 30, although a tangible impact has nevertheless been observed on regional hospital indicators since Week 29.

• All virological indicators saw sharp increases in Week 29, whereas in Week 30, increases in testing rates and incidence were more moderate, and the positivity rate decreased slightly at the regional level. A slowdown in viral circulation was observed among those aged 15–30, who nevertheless remained the most affected age group, ahead of those aged 30–45. As in mainland France, the L452R variant of interest (carried primarily by the Delta variant) became predominant among screened results at the regional level.

• The number of reported clusters in communities that began in Week 29 was higher than in previous weeks, primarily involving workplaces and gatherings related to summer activities (recreation centers, campgrounds, etc.).

• In urban areas, the number of SOS Médecins medical calls for suspected Covid-19 rose sharply in Week 29, then stabilized in Week 30, while the number of emergency room visits for the same reason continued to rise over these two weeks, though remained at a relatively low level.

• In hospitals, the weekly numbers of new hospitalizations of Covid-19 patients and admissions to critical care units reported at the regional level rose sharply in weeks 29 and 30, reaching levels that remained relatively moderate. The number of reported hospital deaths also increased in week 30 but remained at a low level.