Summary

Increased Circulation of the Virus in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Over the past three weeks, the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases has tripled in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, rising from 50 cases in week 26 (June 22–28, 2020) to 146 cases in week 29 (July 13–19, 2020). The incidence rate has thus risen to 2.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 29, compared to 1.7 per 100,000 the previous week. This increase primarily affects people aged 15–44, for whom an incidence rate of over 4 per 100,000 was observed in week 29.
The increase in activity by SOS Médecins for suspected COVID-19 cases continued in week 29, reaching 5% of total activity compared to 3% the previous week. Once again, the majority of these cases involved people aged 15–44. Although activity in emergency departments for suspected COVID-19 remains low (less than 1% of total activity), a slight increase is observed in most departments. At the same time, the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 is trending upward in the region, with 63 people hospitalized as of July 21, including 12 in intensive care.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection is on the rise, as evidenced by all of these indicators and the growing number of clusters identified in our region.

Follow preventive measures

This resurgence in the number of cases is partly linked to a decline in adherence to personal protective measures (wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitizer) coupled with increased population density during this summer period. Added to this are risky behaviors, particularly during festive gatherings where large numbers of people congregate without any protection, which subsequently leads to the establishment of transmission chains and the emergence of clusters. Epidemiological indicators indeed reflect these risky behaviors, with rising numbers among young people.

The Need for Testing

It is important to remember that it is strongly recommended to get tested as soon as symptoms appear, following contact with people who have COVID-19 (even if asymptomatic, taking the incubation period into account), or upon returning from areas where the virus is circulating widely.
Today, we are aware that many people refuse to get tested for fear of having to cut their vacations short if they test positive. Particularly risky behaviors, such as attending gatherings despite knowing one has tested positive for COVID-19, have also been identified as causes of clusters. This behavior contributes to the spread of the virus but can also endanger those around you, especially if they include vulnerable individuals (the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, etc.).

Maximum Vigilance

Today, the epidemiological situation does not favor stopping the spread of the virus, and this prompts us to maintain the highest level of vigilance. We must collectively pay special attention in all areas: surveillance, prevention, testing…
Whatever the reasons each person may have for hesitating to get tested, not wearing a mask, or limiting preventive measures, one essential point must be remembered: everything done individually and collectively today to combat the spread of the virus will pay off in the coming weeks, and especially during the back-to-school period.