Key Points

In week 53, SARS-CoV-2 continued to circulate at high levels.

• Significant increase in the number of confirmed cases

• Decrease in testing activity, particularly among asymptomatic individuals

• Hospitalizations and ICU admissions remain at high levels

• Most affected regions: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Mortality

COVID-19-related mortality remains high.

New SARS-CoV-2 variants

19 cases of infection with the VOC 202012/01 variant (United Kingdom) and 3 cases of infection with the 501Y.V2 variant (South Africa) have been identified.

Prevention

• Vaccination campaign began on December 27, 2020, currently targeting residents of long-term care facilities and healthcare workers

• Individual prevention measures and contact reduction must continue

• If symptoms develop, immediate isolation is required, and a test must be performed as soon as possible