Key Points

In Week 40 of 2020 (September 28–October 4), testing activity continued the decline that began in Week 39, with 81,878 RT-PCR tests performed. However, the number of new biologically confirmed cases is rising, reaching 2,537 this week (compared to 2,188 the previous week). This number has quadrupled since the lifting of lockdown measures (616 new infections were recorded in week 21 of 2020). The regional positivity rate continues to rise, now at 4.1% (compared to 3.1% in week 39 of 2020), and the incidence rate has reached 46 new cases per 100,000
inhabitants (compared to 39.7 in week 39 of 2020). Still significantly higher, the national incidence rate is also on an upward trend, at 116.9 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to 108.7 in week 39 of 2020). More than two-thirds (69.2%) of new cases identified in week 39 of 2020 are under 50 years of age (39% are aged 20–39), 33.3% report being asymptomatic, and 57.8% symptomatic (information is not available for 8.9% of new cases). Due to the implementation of new prioritization rules for testing and the gradual increase in the time required to consolidate test data, the number of new cases may be underestimated.

In week 40 of 2020, viral circulation increased in 9 departments in the region: the Ardennes (45.6 per 100,000 inhabitants), Aube (60 per 100,000 inhabitants, data currently being consolidated), Marne (76.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (41.9 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (61.1 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (52.3 per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (36.6 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haut-Rhin (30.5 per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (25.9 per 100,000 inhabitants). Bas-Rhin is an exception, with a declining incidence rate of 42.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. The incidence rate exceeds the vigilance threshold (10 per 100,000 inhabitants) in all departments of the region, and exceeds the alert threshold in Aube, Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Meuse. This increase in viral circulation continues to underscore the absolute necessity of adhering to preventive measures, particularly maintaining a distance of at least one meter between people and avoiding handshakes and hugs, including among young adults and in private settings.

The rate of in-person or telemedicine consultations for acute respiratory infections (ARI) reported by the Sentinelles network remains stable (51 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 40 of 2020 compared to 47 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 39 of 2020). The number of emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 at the region’s healthcare facilities and the number of consultations for suspected COVID-19 at the region’s five SOS Médecins associations remain stable compared to the previous week.

In week 40 of 2020, the number of new hospitalizations increased slightly compared to the previous week. The number of new admissions to intensive care units remained stable compared to week 39 of 2020. The incidence rate, which remains moderate in the region, and the profile of new cases (mostly young people without severe clinical symptoms) explain the modest impact on the healthcare system. However, the general upward trend in incidence and the acceleration of viral circulation among those aged 65 and older (the segment of the population most susceptible to severe forms of the disease) could increase pressure on the healthcare system.

As of October 7, 274 clusters or clusters of cases have been identified in the region since May 11, of which 131 (+14 compared to the previous week) are currently under investigation. No uncontrolled emergence of new cases outside the community and linked to these clusters has been reported.