Key Points

In the Grand Est region, the number of new cases tested in week 20 continues to decline (5,629 new cases compared to 6,354 new cases in week 19). This decline comes as the number of people tested remains high (228,685 compared to 198,293 people in week 19).
The incidence rate has fallen for the sixth consecutive week (102 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 115 in week 19 and 138 in week 18) and remains below the national incidence rate (123 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The positivity rate is also decreasing (2.5% compared to 3.2% in week 19 and 3.6% in week 18). The decline in new infections that began with the third lockdown, however, appears to be losing momentum as containment measures are eased.

Despite this encouraging decrease in viral circulation, the epidemic situation remains precarious in week 20, with an incidence rate above the threshold for active viral circulation (set at 50 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and as the easing of collective containment measures is underway. Viral circulation varies by age group, and is highest among 10- to 19-year-olds (170 new cases per 100,000). In week 20, three-quarters (77%) of new tested cases were under 50 years of age.

Viral circulation decreased in 7 departments of the region during week 20: the Ardennes (113 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), the Marne (112 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), the Haute-Marne (129 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (82 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (75 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (123 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (101 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). In the other three departments, viral circulation appears to be stabilizing: Aube (88 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (92 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and Haut-Rhin (119 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). These trends reflect a slowdown in the decline of the epidemic and serve as a reminder that, despite an overall favorable trend, adherence to preventive measures and social distancing remains vital.