Situation update

In week 28, a surge in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was observed across the country, with the number of new cases more than doubling compared to the previous week. The incidence rate increased in all regions and in all age groups. For the first time since week 15, this rise was accompanied by a marked increase in the rate of hospital admissions (+55%) and the number of patients admitted to intensive care (+35%) after 3 weeks of rapid growth in the incidence rate. Contact tracing data confirm the sharp increase in the number of cases who attended public venues, especially bars, where barrier measures are more difficult to maintain. As of 20 July 2021, almost 57% of the population had received at least one vaccine dose, and almost 47% were fully vaccinated. Given the strong increase in viral circulation, the rapid spread of the Delta variant, and the summer holidays, the vaccination of all eligible people should be strongly encouraged and facilitated for the oldest and most vulnerable groups in order to achieve a sufficient level of herd immunity as soon as possible and avoid putting pressure on the hospital and healthcare system. Vaccination should be combined with a high level of adherence to other preventive measures, notably by respecting barrier measures, limiting contacts at risk, and self-isolating in the case of symptoms, confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.