Key Points - COVID-19 Outbreak

In the Pays de la Loire region, an acceleration in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was observed in Week 41. The increase in the regional incidence rate intensified in Week 41 (103 cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 68 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Week 40). The testing rate began to rise again in Week 41, following a decline since Week 38. The positivity rate continued to rise, reaching 8% in Week 41. In Week 41, the incidence rate (per 100,000 population) remained highest among young adults, but all age groups saw an increase in incidence compared to previous weeks. The most concerning increase was observed among people aged 65–74 (+83%), the population most at risk of COVID-19 complications. The weekly number of reported clusters is high (36 in Week 41), particularly in schools and universities, workplaces, and long-term care facilities (Ehpad). SOS Médecins calls and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 have remained generally stable over the past two weeks, as have reports from nursing homes and new hospitalizations for COVID-19, despite an upward trend observed over the past four weeks.

In Maine-et-Loire, classified as having a high vulnerability level since September 10, a very marked acceleration in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was observed in week 41 (the highest in the region).

In Vendée, the acceleration of the epidemic’s spread intensified in S41, and the department was classified as having a high vulnerability level on October 13, after exceeding the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in terms of incidence rate and the vigilance threshold of 5% in terms of positivity rate.

In Loire-Atlantique, classified as having a high vulnerability level since September 10, the increase in SARS-CoV-2 transmission continued in week 41. The department has the highest weekly incidence rate in the region for week 41 (118 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).

In Sarthe, classified as having a high vulnerability level since August 20, the rise in incidence and positivity rates continued in week 41.

In Mayenne, an increase in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was observed in weeks 40 and 41, and the department was classified as having a high vulnerability level on October 6.