Key Points

In Week 32 (August 9–15, 2021), SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the hospital impact of COVID-19 are on the rise in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The regional incidence rate has risen by 10% to 228 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (18,312 new confirmed cases), while the testing rate remains high and has increased by 29%. The positivity rate is 3.6% (-0.6 percentage points).

Incidence is rising across all age groups but remains highest among those aged 15–44 (377/100,000), followed by those under 15 (173/100,000) and those aged 45–64 (169/100,000). The testing rate is increasing across all age groups, except among those under 15; those aged 15–64 have the highest testing rate. The departments of Drôme, Isère, Loire, Rhône, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie have the highest incidence rates in the region, exceeding 200 per 100,000.

The increase in emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 continues (1,013 visits in Week 32, +21%), while SOS Médecins calls for suspected COVID-19 have decreased slightly (-7%). The number of COVID-19 episodes and cases in long-term care facilities has decreased in Week 32.

The number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 continues to rise in Week 32, with 630 new hospitalizations (vs. 513 in Week 31, +23%) and 119 new admissions to critical care (vs. 99 in Week 31, +20%). Still on the rise, the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 reached 1,066 (+17%), including 183 (+24%) in critical care units. Hospital deaths related to COVID-19 continued to increase (49 deaths in Week 32, +32%).
Vaccination coverage continues to increase regionally, particularly among those under 50. As of August 17, 2021, 69.5% of the total regional population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since the start of the campaign, and 60.1% of the population has received a full vaccination regimen.

In this context, vaccination of people aged 12 and older must continue to be strongly encouraged to achieve a sufficient level of herd immunity. A high level of adherence to other preventive measures must be sought, particularly compliance with barrier measures, limiting risky contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.