Key Points - COVID-19 Outbreak

In the Pays de la Loire region, the regional incidence rate continued to rise above the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in weeks 38 and 39, reaching 61.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while the testing rate declined. The positivity rate also rose in weeks 38 and 39, exceeding the vigilance threshold of 5% (5.2%).

High circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is observed among young adults. The increase in the number of reported clusters accelerated in Week 39, reaching 46 clusters (compared to 21 in Week 38), particularly in schools and universities. SOS Médecins calls and emergency room visits for suspected Covid-19, meanwhile, decreased in Week 39, as did reports from nursing homes. Several new clusters have nevertheless been reported in these settings. Over the past two weeks, the number of new hospitalizations for COVID-19 and new admissions to intensive care units has increased compared to previous weeks, though it remains below the levels observed during the first wave of the epidemic.

In Maine-et-Loire, classified as having a high vulnerability level since September 10, the incidence rate observed in Week 39 remained the highest in the region (69.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), although it has decreased since Week 38, as has the testing rate. The positivity rate continued to rise.

In Sarthe, classified as having a high vulnerability level since August 20, the incidence rate stabilized in weeks 38 and 39, but a sharp increase in the positivity rate was recorded. A significant number of new clusters were reported in week 39.

In Loire-Atlantique, the rise in epidemic activity continued in weeks 38 and 39. Loire-Atlantique was classified as having a high vulnerability level on September 10. A significant number of new clusters were reported in week 39.

In Mayenne, classified as having a moderate vulnerability level since August 10, an increase in the incidence rate was observed in weeks 38 and 39, rising above the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The positivity rate also increased, approaching the vigilance threshold of 5%.

In Vendée, a sharp acceleration in the epidemic’s spread was observed in week 39. Vendée was classified as having moderate vulnerability on September 24.