Key Points

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has declined for the sixth consecutive week: last week, an average of 12 cases were confirmed each day. The incidence rate fell from 39 to 28 cases per 100,000 residents, and the positivity rate from 2.4% to 2.8%. The testing rate has decreased, reflecting reduced testing likely due to the holiday season and the Carnival celebrations. New hospitalizations and ICU admissions remained stable last week, with 16 new hospitalizations, including 3 in the ICU. Three new deaths were reported this week.

As of February 23, the effective reproduction number (R_eff) for confirmed cases was estimated at 0.56 [0.44–0.69]. Epidemiological indicators (incidence and positivity rates) and hospitalization rates are stable compared to last week and reflect a relatively low level of viral circulation in the population. Preventive measures (wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing, etc.) and testing at the slightest sign of symptoms must nevertheless be maintained at a high level among the population to prevent any early resurgence of the epidemic.

As of February 21, 2,338 people have been vaccinated in French Guiana. Vaccination coverage for those aged 75 and older stands at 9.1% in French Guiana. Since February 14, vaccination has been expanded to all healthcare workers and all individuals over the age of 50 in French Guiana.

Genomic surveillance of variants in French Guiana: since the start of surveillance, analyses and epidemiological investigations have confirmed:

• Two cases of the 20J/501Y.V3 variant (Brazil)

• Four cases of the 20I/501Y.V1 variant (United Kingdom)