This issue of *La Santé en action* on perinatal care in Réunion and Mayotte is being published at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged Mayotte into a state of emergency. We asked epidemiologists working on the front lines to provide a brief overview of the situation in Réunion (Luce Yemadje-Menudier) and Mayotte (Hassani Youssouf), with additional insights regarding the health reserve in Mayotte (Catherine Lemorton).