Key Points

Since early March, 9,462 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in French Guiana. Last week, an average of 34 cases were confirmed each day, and the weekly incidence stands at 83 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while the weekly testing rate remains at over 1,000 tests per 100,000 inhabitants. As of September 8, the effective reproduction number (R_e) is estimated at 0.90 (0.79–1.02). Confirmed cases have therefore remained stable in French Guiana for the past three weeks.

New hospitalizations have continued to decline, and intensive care admissions and deaths have remained stable, with 4 admissions and 4 deaths last week. French Guiana has recorded 63 hospital deaths to date.

The decline in the epidemic is therefore slower than in the weeks following the peak of the outbreak. The regional incidence remains relatively high, strongly encouraging the continued
use of preventive measures in daily life to limit transmission and thus prevent an early resurgence of the epidemic and flatten the curve.

As collective measures are eased, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and physical distancing must be maintained at a high level in all settings (workplaces, schools, public spaces, etc.).

The most vulnerable are protected only by the responsible actions of those around them. Getting tested, even without symptoms, is an opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Remember that anyone can now get tested without a doctor’s prescription. This testing is fully covered by health insurance. The “Test, Trace, Isolate” strategy must also continue: efforts to identify, test, and prevent the spread of the virus continued last week. This coordination between the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), laboratory technicians, the French Red Cross, Doctors of the World, and local authorities is essential, as is contact tracing of all confirmed cases by the National Health Insurance teams.