Summary

Epidemiological situation in French Guiana as of May 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m.

A total of 164 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, and 18 clusters have been detected. The majority have been locally transmitted over the past two months, but several cases imported from Brazil were detected this week, and the community cluster in St. Georges has a cross-border dimension.

Currently, there are two active clusters. First, the St. Georges cluster, which has grown significantly following numerous tests conducted this week as part of active case finding (37 cases since April 27 and 17 additional cases confirmed on May 14 at 5 p.m., currently under investigation). Epidemiological investigations, active testing, and enhanced management measures are being implemented by the ARS and the CDPS.

Surveillance of the Grand Santi cluster has not revealed any new cases for more than 14 days, allowing the lockdown to be lifted. The final tally stands at 25 cases.

The current epidemic situation in French Guiana is characterized by a low level of viral circulation, with a specific situation in Saint-Georges. This situation, combined with the detection of a new single-family cluster in Matoury (3 cases) amid the lifting of lockdown measures since May 11, calls for maintaining a high level of surveillance and testing throughout the territory.

What are the public health implications in the region?

Lockdown measures were lifted in French Guiana on May 11, 2020, except for the municipality of Saint-Georges. Enhanced surveillance is in place throughout French Guiana, with the aim of controlling the risk of imported cases and any development of local transmission chains. Additional measures are implemented on an ad hoc basis to control each new local outbreak, whether in the community or in institutional settings (testing, lockdown), with the support and participation of the population and its representatives.