Key Points

• In week 01-2021, the number of new cases rose slightly (13,139 new cases compared to 12,584 in week 53-2020, an increase of 4%). Following the sharp decline in week 53 of 2020, the number of people tested rose slightly again (187,106 people in week 01 of 2021 compared to 173,888 in week 53 of 2020). The incidence rate is rising (238.4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 228.3 in Week 53 of 2020). It remains higher than the national incidence rate (187.9 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). In week 53 of 2020, the positivity rate (7.0%) remained stable compared to week 53 of 2020 (7.2%).

• The trend of the epidemic in the region during week 01-2021 remains concerning, with viral circulation well above the threshold for active virus circulation, set at 50 new cases per 100,000, across all age groups. Just over half (58%) of new cases tested in week 53 of 2020 are under 50 years of age, and 30% are between 20 and 39 years old.

• In week 01-2021, viral circulation is on the rise in seven departments: Aube (194 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Marne (235 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (332 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (269 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (290 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (244 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and Haut-Rhin (238 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). It is stable but at a high level in three departments: Ardennes (284 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (197 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (235 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Viral circulation is active and high in all departments of the region and across all age groups.

• The heavy strain on the healthcare system continues in week 01-2021, for the fourth consecutive week. The number of consultations for suspected Covid-19 at the region’s five SOS Médecins associations has seen a slight decrease compared to the previous week (261 consultations in week 01-2021 versus 306 in week 53-2020).