Key Points

In Week 24 (W24), all COVID-19 epidemiological indicators continued to decline in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A significant decrease in viral circulation was observed despite the identification of the Delta variant. With 1,001 people hospitalized and 130 patients in intensive care units, the impact on hospitals is declining sharply. No excess mortality from all causes is currently observed at the regional or departmental level.

The regional incidence rate (20 per 100,000) has fallen sharply (-48%) in week 24, across all age groups. The testing rate has dropped significantly (-10%) and the positivity rate has decreased by 0.7 percentage points. These regional indicators are very close to the national average. At the departmental level, all incidence rates are falling sharply (by 33% to 64% depending on the department). They are now all below 30 per 100,000, with the highest being in the Rhône (29 per 100,000). Two other departments have incidence rates higher than the regional rate: the Loire (27 per 100,000) and the Haute-Loire (21 per 100,000). Testing activity is decreasing in nearly all departments (by 3% to 24%, depending on the department). Positivity rates are also all declining (by 0.4 to 1.2 percentage points, depending on the department).

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is still in the minority in the region, but its prevalence tends to be higher in Cantal, Isère, and Haute-Savoie—departments where the L452R mutation (suggestive of the Delta variant) is detected more frequently. The decline in hospital indicators continues. There has been a 31% decrease in new hospitalizations and a 17% decrease in new admissions to intensive care units. The decline in the total number of hospitalized patients (1,001 patients as of June 22, a decrease of 24%) and the total number of patients in intensive care units (130 patients as of June 22, a decrease of 24%) is also continuing. The weekly number of hospital deaths has decreased by 41%, with 29 new deaths in week 24.

In week 23 (May 7 to June 13, 2021), no significant excess mortality from all causes was observed at the regional or departmental level. The number of SOS-Médecins calls decreased by 41% in week 24. At the same time, the number of emergency room visits continues to decline (-34%). COVID-19 vaccination coverage continues to increase in the region: as of June 21, 48.0% of the population had received at least one dose, and 28.1% were fully vaccinated. In this context, where more transmissible variants of concern such as the Delta variant are emerging, high adherence to preventive measures across the entire population is essential. Adherence to isolation in the event of infection or contact with a confirmed case, as well as vaccinating as many people as possible, remain essential to controlling the epidemic during the summer months.