Key points

Guadeloupe and Saint Martin

Epidemiological surveillance indicators have been rising for several weeks in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Active transmission of the virus is now established, corresponding to an epidemic situation. Indeed, surveillance indicators show:

• Values above the alert thresholds for incidence and positivity rates. These are the highest rates recorded in the French departments;

• An increase in the number of emergency room visits and patients hospitalized in intensive care in Guadeloupe, and a decrease in Saint Martin;

• An increase in the number of outpatient visits for acute respiratory infections in Guadeloupe and a decrease in Saint Martin;

• The identification of secondary transmission chains and four new clusters (groups of cases) in Guadeloupe. Most of the clusters currently being monitored (n=7) were reported in the workplace. However, nearly all cases from these clusters were locally acquired (autochthonous cases) outside the workplace. In Saint Martin, no new clusters have been identified.

• The 20–39 age group is currently the most affected by this active viral circulation.

Saint Barthélemy

• In Saint-Barthélemy, surveillance indicators show low viral circulation in the territory.

The French Antilles are classified as an “area of active viral circulation.” Strict adherence to preventive measures and physical distancing—whether among family, friends, or in the workplace—are the key strategies for limiting the spread of the virus.