Health Monitoring in the Normandy Region. Update as of December 24, 2021.

Published on 24 December 2021

Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 50, SARS-CoV-2 circulation remained at a high level, with a further increase in the regional incidence rate (IR) to 297 per 100,000 inhabitants, representing a 10% rise compared to the previous week. At the departmental level, IR values ranged from 218 (Manche) to 339 per 100,000 inhabitants (Seine-Maritime). The increase was most pronounced in Orne and Calvados, with respective increases of 16% and 15% compared to last week. Seine-Maritime was the hardest-hit department, accounting for nearly 43% of all new confirmed cases in the region. The testing rate was stable or showed a slight increase across departments, with the rise not exceeding 10% in the affected departments. Positivity rates remained below the alert threshold but rose slightly to 5.1%.

At the same time, the number of emergency room visits, new hospitalizations in general wards, and new admissions to intensive care units were slightly decreasing, but pre-hospital and hospital activities remained at high levels.
As of December 21, 2021, 92.0% of Normandy residents over the age of 12 had received a full primary vaccination series, and 40.1% had received a booster dose.

In light of the holiday season and the increasing spread of the Omicron variant, to protect the most vulnerable and preserve the healthcare system, it remains essential to encourage vaccination among those who have not yet been vaccinated and to administer booster shots to eligible individuals, while continuing to adhere to combined measures of contact tracing and adherence to preventive measures, including reducing contact and frequently ventilating enclosed spaces.

Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness

Non-epidemic phase: In week 50, activity for flu-like symptoms remained low.

Bronchiolitis

Epidemic phase: In week 50, activity for bronchiolitis remained high, although the number of healthcare visits was stable compared to the previous week.