Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 12 in Normandy, epidemic surveillance indicators continue to rise. Incidence rates and testing rates are increasing in all departments. Analysis of screening test results for variants of interest collected via the SI-DEP tool showed a slight decrease in the proportion of suspected UK variants, which accounted for 76.2% (4,280) of screened tests. The proportion of suspected ZA or BR variants remained stable at 2.2% (125). Seine-Maritime had a proportion of 84% of suspected UK variants, Eure, Orne, and Manche at approximately 71%, and Calvados at 67%. The proportion of suspected ZA or BR variants was 6.0% in Calvados and Manche and less than 2% in the other departments.

The number of new admissions of COVID-19 patients to general wards and intensive care units was on the rise. The total number of COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Normandy was also increasing, with 1,435 people hospitalized as of March 30, including 187 in intensive care. The number of patients who died during their hospitalization was also rising. Those most vulnerable to this epidemic remain people over the age of 65, as well as those with comorbidities, even though a trend toward younger patients among new cases and new hospital admissions is being observed. As the epidemic progresses, pressure on hospitals will intensify in the coming days. Adherence to individual prevention measures, compliance with collective containment measures, and the acceleration of vaccination are key priorities for addressing the high level of viral circulation and the heavy strain on hospitals.

The vaccination campaign continues, and 80.4% of nursing home residents and 33.3% of healthcare workers have received two doses of the vaccine. Single-dose vaccination coverage in the general population in Normandy was approximately 9%. Accelerating the vaccination campaign is now more than ever a major priority to counter this trend.

Mortality

The age-standardized mortality rate in the Normandy region has not been elevated since Week 9. The data still needs to be consolidated. The number of deaths among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 increased in Week 12 compared to the previous week.

Bronchiolitis

In week 12, bronchiolitis activity increased in emergency departments and at SOS-médecin, though at moderate levels. Thirty-nine RSV cases were isolated by the Rouen University Hospital laboratory, and thirteen RSV cases were isolated by the Caen University Hospital laboratory.

Gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (all ages) at SOS-Médecin is decreasing, while activity in emergency departments is stable and at an intermediate level compared to previous years; the activity level is classified as high for SOS-Médecin and moderate for emergency departments. The incidence of acute diarrhea is decreasing in week 12, but remains higher than during the same period last year.