Key Points

In community practice, the trend remained stable in week 36 (August 31 to September 6) compared to the previous two weeks, both in terms of
the number of consultations attributable to COVID-19 among those for acute respiratory infections (ARI) and in terms of visits for suspected COVID-19 conducted by SOS Médecins.

In hospitals, as of September 9, there were 13 hospitalized patients, 4 of whom were in the intensive care unit. COVID-19 activity in the adult emergency department at Martinique University Hospital remains low, accounting for 1.2% of total activity. Last week (week 36), 2,927 people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via RT-PCR in Martinique. Of these, 193 tested positive, an increase compared to the previous week.

• The positivity rate was 6.59% in week 36, thus exceeding the alert threshold (5%);

• The incidence rate (number of new cases per 100,000 inhabitants) was 53.80 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 36 and increased compared to the previous week. The alert threshold** has been exceeded. The increase was most significant in the 15–44 age group, particularly among those aged 20–39.

From May 18, 2020, through September 9, 12 SARS-CoV-2 infection clusters were identified, including 4 in the last seven days. Epidemiological surveillance indicators confirm the continued increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the region, primarily among young adults (20–39 years old). Last week, Martinique recorded an incidence rate exceeding the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000
inhabitants.

Vulnerability to the virus remains high, reflecting increased viral circulation and an impact on the health of the Martinique
population, thereby contributing to the adjustment of management measures. Strict adherence to preventive measures and physical distancing—whether among family, friends, or in professional settings—are the primary tools for limiting the spread of the virus.