Summary

What is currently known about the situation in Normandy?

Active circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been observed in Normandy since mid-March 2020, affecting all five departments. A population-based surveillance system has been gradually implemented using multiple data sources (page 9) to monitor the evolution of the epidemiological situation (Epidemiological Surveillance of COVID-19).

What’s new in this Update for the region?

After an initial sharp increase, we have generally observed a decline in indicators over the past five weeks. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 in social and medical-social facilities remains significant, but the number of new facilities affected is decreasing. In week 19 (May 4–10), the region showed no excess mortality across all causes and age groups.
These data suggest, after seven weeks of lockdown, a slowdown in new infections.
As part of the lifting of strict lockdown measures since May 11, a strategy for identifying and managing confirmed COVID-19 cases and their contacts has been implemented. This strategy complements the social and physical distancing measures already in place, aiming to prevent a resurgence in viral transmission and to reduce pressure on the healthcare system, including the risk of its saturation. The indicators will therefore evolve in the coming weeks.

What are the public health implications in the region?

Santé publique France Normandie, through its various surveillance systems, is working closely with the ARS Normandie and local healthcare providers (hospitals, laboratories, SOS Médecins associations, ESMS, etc.) to best characterize the epidemic and generate epidemiological information useful for implementing and monitoring management measures to limit the spread of the virus.