Key Points - COVID-19 Outbreak

In the Pays de la Loire region, an increase in all epidemiological indicators was observed in Week 43, linked to a sharp acceleration in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

A peak testing rate was recorded in week 43, with 1,801 people tested per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest positivity rate observed to date was also reached (14.3%). The regional incidence rate, which reached 258 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, remained highest in the 15–44 age group; however, the number of new positive cases among people over 75 years of age, who are at high risk of Covid-19 complications, more than doubled compared to Week 42 (+121%).

The weekly number of reported clusters rose sharply in weeks 42 and 43 (49 and 50 clusters, respectively, compared to 37 in week 41). The main settings affected were workplaces (businesses), schools and universities, and long-term care facilities for the elderly (Ehpad).

SOS Médecins calls for suspected COVID-19 increased in Week 43, particularly among those aged 45 and older. Emergency department visits for suspected COVID-19 were also on the rise in Week 43 for all age groups except those under 15.

A sharp increase in reports from nursing homes (EMS/Ehpad) has been observed in recent weeks, with 50 reported outbreaks in Week 42 and 60 in Week 43.
The number of new hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients and the number of new admissions to intensive care units for COVID-19 patients accelerated starting in Week 42.

At the departmental level, the increase in SARS-CoV-2 transmission continued significantly across all departments. In Week 43, it was most pronounced in Vendée, which saw the largest increase, and in Maine-et-Loire, where indicators were the highest in the region. Since October 13, all departments in the region have been classified as having a high vulnerability level.