Key Points

In Week 34 (August 23–29, 2021), the slowdown in SARS-CoV-2 transmission was confirmed in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as well as nationwide, resulting in an initial decline in hospital indicators.

The regional incidence rate (163 per 100,000 inhabitants) has decreased by 18%, and the positivity rate has dropped by 0.3 percentage points (2.8%). Incidence is generally declining across all age groups, including among young adults (ages 20–29), who remain the most affected age group with 284 per 100,000 inhabitants; however, it remains stable among children under 10. The decline in virological indicators is observed across all departments in the region; the Rhône still has the highest incidence (214 per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by Haute-Savoie (194), Drôme (184), and Ardèche (183).

In week 34, the number of patients seeking care for suspected COVID-19 decreased in SOS-Médecins clinics (-5%) and also in emergency department visits (-20%).

The slowdown in viral circulation is now reflected in a reduction in hospital admissions: new hospitalizations have decreased by 15%. New admissions to intensive care units continue to rise but at a slower rate than the previous week (+5%). As of August 24, 2021, the total number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients stood at 1,021 (-5%), including 211 in intensive care units (+2%). The number of hospital deaths increased by 18% in week 34, and for all-cause mortality, a moderate excess across all age groups was observed in week 33 (August 16–22) for the first time since week 18 (May 2–8).

Vaccination coverage continues to increase at the regional level, particularly among those under 50. As of August 31, 2021, 72.3% of the total regional population had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since the start of the campaign, and 66.7% had received a full vaccination series. The vaccination rate for 12- to 17-year-olds with a full series increased by more than 9% compared to the previous week and is approaching 50%.