Key Points

In Week 11 (March 15–21, 2021), the epidemiological situation in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is deteriorating, with a sharp increase in viral circulation, while the estimated proportion of the British variant (20I/501Y.V1) is around 80%. The pressure on hospitals, already high, is increasing: all indicators are trending upward, although the increase is moderate at this stage. The rise in incidence is affecting those under 75 years of age. Testing rates are rising sharply among younger people, particularly those under 15, thanks to school-based testing campaigns. Under epidemic pressure, the number of infections and hospitalizations among the elderly is stabilizing or increasing slightly, underscoring the importance of accelerating vaccination for those over 75, who are still only partially vaccinated.

At the departmental level, the Rhône stands out with indicators that continue to rise and are the highest in the region (incidence rate, positivity rate, emergency room visits, hospitalization rate, and critical care admission rate). Haute-Savoie and the Loire are also showing an unfavorable trend, with high levels of viral circulation and a sharp increase in their hospitalization rates. The situation is also evolving in other departments in the region (Savoie, Isère, Ain).