Key Points

Since early March, 11,677 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in French Guiana.

A sharp increase (+40%) in the number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 was observed last week compared to the previous two weeks. This trend continues to date. On average, 35 cases have been confirmed each day, and the weekly incidence has risen significantly to 86 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The weekly testing rate also continues to rise, with 1,383 tests per 100,000 inhabitants, reflecting increased circulation of the virus in the population, while the positivity rate is also rising. As of December 5, the effective reproduction number (R_eff) is estimated at 1.40 [1.23–1.57], up from 0.99 previously. The doubling time for the number of cases is 13.5 days, indicating a slower rate of spread than that observed in June.

New hospitalizations have increased slightly compared to the previous week. One death was reported, but no admissions to intensive care. The highest incidence rates are in the metropolitan areas of Cayenne (Cayenne Island) and Kourou-Macouria. Along the rest of the coastline and in inland municipalities, incidence rates remain lower.

Early indicators of healthcare utilization remain stable at a low level: emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 account for 1% of all visits to the region’s emergency departments. Acute respiratory infections seen in private practice remain stable. Three clusters have been reported, two in the workplace and one in the healthcare and social services sector.

Indicators have therefore worsened, making it still urgent to:

• It remains essential to be vigilant in confined, poorly ventilated spaces where people are in close proximity, by strictly adhering to mask-wearing and handwashing.

• Get tested at the slightest suspicion, at every opportunity.

• Isolating for 7 days if you test positive or are a close contact is crucial to breaking transmission chains.

• Finally, it is strongly recommended that travelers arriving in French Guiana get tested 3 to 4 days after arrival.