Summary

This epidemiological update focuses on virological surveillance data and reports of clusters (or transmission outbreaks), particularly those in long-term care facilities. It is based on an analysis of data through August 12, 2020, and complements the analysis conducted at the national level (Santé publique France website).

All indicators monitored by Santé publique France are detailed in the educational report on COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance tailored to the challenges of the national strategy for lifting lockdown measures, published on June 18 by Santé publique France.

What is the current situation in Occitanie?

Syndromic surveillance indicators were generally stable over the past week at the regional level and in most departments (with a slight increase in Gard, Haute-Garonne, and Hérault). Virology data (SI-DEP) show that viral circulation at the regional level and in certain departments increased over the past week. This observation is linked to areas of more active circulation in certain regions, similar to the situation observed among 20- to 30-year-olds and 40- to 50-year-olds in Haute-Garonne and Hérault.
As of August 12, the departments of Haute-Garonne and Hérault are the only departments in the region classified as having a moderate vulnerability level (see the vulnerability map on the Santé publique France website). Given the trend in indicators in the Gard department, and if this trend is confirmed in the coming days, a move to a moderate vulnerability level may be considered.

What are the public health implications in the region?

The increase in viral circulation in certain departments of the region, which is not always linked to reported clusters, calls for stricter enforcement of preventive measures (barrier measures, physical distancing) and testing to limit the emergence or persistence of transmission chains, particularly in areas with higher viral circulation and greater population mixing during this summer period. To limit the spread of the virus, it is also necessary to intensify public awareness efforts and the “test-trace-isolate” strategy. It is essential that anyone exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or having even the slightest doubt undergo a diagnostic test and consult a doctor as soon as possible. This course of action must be accompanied by adherence to barrier measures, participation
in contact tracing and monitoring, and compliance with isolation measures for infected individuals.
Any COVID-19 cluster (defined as the occurrence of at least three confirmed or probable cases within a seven-day period, involving individuals from the same community or who attended the same gathering, whether they know each other or not) must be reported immediately to the focal point of the Occitanie Regional Health Agency: ars31-alerte@ars.sante.fr. To guide cluster investigations, a methodological guide has been published on the Santé publique France website. The Occitanie Regional Health Agency has also launched “an information campaign aimed at the general public to remind people of preventive measures and best practices this summer.”