Key Points

In the Grand Est region, the number of new cases in week 24-21 continues to decline, while the number of people tested remains high (167,067 compared to 169,460 in week 23-21). As a result, the incidence rate has declined for the twelfth consecutive week, and at 20 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, it remains below the threshold for active viral circulation (set at 50 per 100,000). The positivity rate is down slightly this week (0.7% compared to 1.1% in week 23-21).

Viral circulation varies by age group, with the highest rate observed among those aged 20–29 (32 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). It should be noted that this is also the age group with the lowest vaccination coverage at present. Viral circulation is decreasing in all departments of the region except for Haute-Marne (17 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and Marne (27 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), where the incidence rate remains stable.

The strategy of screening positive tests for the three variants of concern—VOC 20I/501Y.V1 (Alpha) and, without distinction, VOC 20H/501Y.V2 (Beta), and 20J/501Y.V3 (Gamma) is gradually being phased out in favor of a new screening strategy targeting the mutations of interest E484K, E484Q, and L452R due to their impact on transmissibility (L452R) or immune escape (E484K and E484Q). As the system is still being ramped up in the region, the figures presented should therefore be interpreted with caution.

During week 24-21, 578 screening tests targeting the L452R mutation (Delta variant, known as the “Indian” variant) were conducted in the region, of which 70 tested positive (12.1%). Of these, 50 were residents of the Bas-Rhin (positivity rate of 29%) and 8 in the Haut-Rhin. These results suggest community transmission of the Delta variant in the Bas-Rhin.