Key Points

In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections diagnosed in week 34 (August 17–23, 2020) and the incidence rate more than doubled compared to the previous week. Although the increase in the number of people tested was significant (+40%), it was lower than the increase in the number of diagnosed cases, indicating an intensification of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the region. Among those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, 36% were asymptomatic and 53% were between the ages of 20 and 40. Incidence rates rose in all departments. The Rhône department reached an incidence rate of 64.8 per 100,000, exceeding the alert threshold of 50 per 100,000. Other departments with high incidence rates showing sharp increases include Drôme, Isère, and Ain. The incidence rate has begun to rise again in Haute-Savoie after two weeks of decline. The weekly number of new clusters has also risen sharply. As of August 27, 40 SARS-CoV-2 infection clusters are being monitored, including 10 in the Rhône and 9 in Isère. Reported cases in long-term care facilities, SOS Médecins calls, and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 increased in week 34 but remained at low levels. In hospitals, the number of new hospitalizations was down slightly, while intensive care admissions were rising, though the number of patients remained limited. In metropolitan France, the number of new confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases increased by 57% compared to the previous week. Fourteen departments had an incidence rate exceeding the alert threshold. The highest incidence rates were observed in Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-Maritimes, and Paris (national data available on the Santé publique France website). Given this highly concerning situation of exponential growth in the epidemic, it is essential to continue efforts to raise public awareness regarding the implementation of preventive measures, particularly mask-wearing and physical distancing, and to strengthen the implementation of the “Test-Trace-Isolate” strategy so that anyone exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or having even the slightest doubt can undergo a screening test as soon as possible