Key Points

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 continues to intensify in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

During Week 35 (August 24–30), the various epidemiological indicators being monitored show that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continues to intensify in our region. Compared to the previous week, the number of confirmed cases and the incidence rate have increased by more than 50%. The slight increase in emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 also appears to be confirmed. The rise in the number of new clusters identified in the region—29 in total—also points in this direction.

Gironde, one of the five hardest-hit departments in France

While the trend is on the rise throughout the region, Gironde is particularly affected by the intensification of viral circulation. In week 34, the alert threshold of 50 per 100,000 was exceeded, with an incidence rate of 60 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In week 35, this indicator doubled, reaching 120 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, placing Gironde among the five hardest-hit departments in France. This trend is confirmed by an increasingly high positivity rate (6.5% in week 35, exceeding the attention threshold) and a growing number of clusters currently under investigation (n=25) in this department. Nevertheless, Gironde is not the only department affected, as the trend is also on the
rise in nearly all other departments in the region, with six new departments (Dordogne, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, and Haute-Vienne) and Lot-et-Garonne moving to moderate vulnerability on August 28, 2020. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department remains at moderate vulnerability despite a stabilization of indicators in week 35.

People aged 20–30 particularly affected

A significant increase in the number of cases is observed among young adults, particularly those aged 20 to 30. This is consistent with the summer situation, as it is primarily these groups who went on vacation and participated in festive events conducive to viral transmission. This increase has not been accompanied by a rise in hospitalizations or deaths, as it affects a population at very low risk of developing severe forms of the disease. Nevertheless, as people return from vacation, these young, healthy individuals carrying the virus risk infecting more vulnerable people in their professional, family, and social circles. We therefore risk seeing a continued increase in viral circulation, as well as a sharp rise in the number of severe cases and deaths if preventive measures are not followed.