Key Points

• COVID-19 Surveillance

  • Multi-source, consisting of systems designed to be comprehensive and/or descriptive

  • Enabling the tracking and description of the epidemic in all its aspects

  • First-time implementation of a system to centralize all diagnostic tests for a disease in real time (available starting in May 2020)

• Study period for the completion of this BSP

  • March 2020 to May 2021

  • Covering the first three waves of the epidemic

• Epidemic dynamics in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region (March 2020 – May 2021)

  • ​​​​​​​Influenced by regional characteristics (tourism, testing policies, disadvantaged populations, insufficient vaccination coverage)

  • Epidemic dynamics reflected in all data sources

  • A first wave that was less intense and shorter than in other regions, but placed significant strain on the healthcare system

  • An early second wave of significant intensity, particularly among young adults

  • A third wave of high and persistent intensity linked to the Alpha variant, sweeping across the region from east to west

• Key data for Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (March 2020 – May 2021)

  • ​​​​​​​8,093,800 people tested and 515,100 cases identified

  • 46,300 hospitalizations, including 8,200 in intensive care; 8,200 deaths in hospital

  • 2,100 cases reported by sentinel intensive care units; median age of 64; more than 80% had one or more comorbidities; median length of stay of 10 days

  • 2,900 outbreaks reported in long-term care facilities, including 1,700 in nursing homes; 22,000 cases among residents and 11,500 among staff; 2,100 deaths occurring within these facilities

  • 70,600 emergency room visits and 30,300 SOS Médecins calls for suspected COVID-19

  • 78% of people aged 75 and older had received one dose; 67% had completed the full vaccination series by the end of May 2021

  • 4,100 clusters reported