Key Points

• In week 48 of 2020 (November 23–29), the decline that began in week 47 of 2020 accelerated, with 122,252 RT-PCR tests performed (compared to 140,952 in week 47 of 2020). The number of new biologically confirmed cases is also down, with 7,485 cases (compared to 10,527 the previous week). It now includes new positive cases detected by antigen testing. The incidence rate continues to decline compared to week 47 of 2020 and now stands at 135.8 new cases per 100,000 residents (compared to 176.6 the previous week). It remains higher than the national incidence rate, which stands at 113.6 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 165.9 in week 47 of 2020) and has fallen below the enhanced alert threshold of 150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The regional positivity rate has decreased this week and now stands at 11%, compared to 12.8% in week 46 of 2020. Viral circulation remains active and exceeds 50 new cases per 100,000 in all age groups except for those under 10 years of age. Just over half (54.4%) of new cases tested in week 48 of 2020 are under 50 years old, and 25% are between 20 and 39 years old (these figures were 78% and 46%, respectively, in early September). There are as many cases reported as asymptomatic (49.7%) as symptomatic (49.6%) (information is not available for 0.7% of new cases), whereas symptomatic cases accounted for 38% in early September.

• In week 48 of 2020, viral circulation continued to decline, with a decrease in incidence rates across all departments in the region: the Ardennes (225 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Aube (149 per 100,000 inhabitants), Marne (76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (144 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (133 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (158 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (159 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (113 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Haut-Rhin (144 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (131 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). All departments have finally fallen below the maximum alert threshold.

• Pressure on the healthcare system remains high and concerning, but the decline is now beginning. The number of consultations for suspected Covid-19 at the region’s five SOS Médecins associations is down (-20%). The number of emergency room visits for suspected Covid-19 at the region’s emergency facilities is also declining (-23%).

• The number of new hospitalizations and the number of new admissions to intensive care units for Covid-19 have decreased compared to week 47 of 2020 (by 23% and 34%, respectively). In week 48 of 2020, Covid-19 activity in the region’s emergency facilities and hospital departments returned to the level observed at the end of the first lockdown. The number of Covid-19 deaths in healthcare facilities is stable (250 deaths compared to 236 the previous week).

• As of December 2, 737 clusters or outbreaks of grouped cases have been identified in the region since October 1, of which 531 are under investigation or under control.

• After four weeks of lockdown and despite a definite slowdown in viral circulation in the region, the level of viral circulation remains very high across all areas and age groups. While we await a vaccine, adherence to individual preventive measures and limiting contacts are the only effective ways to curb the epidemic. Compliance with these individual measures by everyone, under all circumstances, coupled with collective measures, is essential to curb this second wave and relieve pressure on the healthcare system. To protect yourself and others, it is still vital to maintain a distance of at least one meter between people, ventilate rooms for at least 10 minutes twice a day, wear a mask when recommended, avoid handshakes and hugs—even with loved ones—and follow standard preventive measures.