Key Points

In week 42 (October 12–18, 2020), SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes intensified further, and its impact on public health increased, placing significant strain on our entire healthcare system and particularly on the hospital sector.

With more than 33,000 new confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in week 42, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is now the region with the highest viral circulation. The incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections, which stands at 414 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, increased by 66% in week 42 (+77% between weeks 40 and 41), while the testing rate rose sharply again (+33% higher than in week 41). The positivity rate continues to rise, reaching 19% in week 42 (15% in week 41). The incidence rate is increasing across all age groups, particularly among people over 75 (+99%). The same trend is observed in the four metropolitan areas and all departments of the region except Cantal.

SOS Médecins calls and the rate of consultations with doctors in the Sentinelles Network are still rising, but the most significant increases are in the hospital sector. Indeed, emergency room visits rose by nearly 66% in week 42. In week 42, 1,475 new hospitalizations for COVID-19—including more than 200 in intensive care—were recorded, representing an increase of over 80% for total hospitalizations and over 50% for intensive care admissions. Hospital deaths have nearly doubled, and deaths in long-term care facilities are also rising.

The situation in nursing homes and other medical-social facilities remains very concerning, with the number of clusters, reports, and confirmed cases continuing to rise sharply in week 42. Clusters in schools and universities—some of which involve community transmission—and in healthcare facilities remain numerous.

In week 42, the ARA region is the region in metropolitan France with the highest viral circulation indicators and the highest incidence rate of new hospitalizations across all departments. At the departmental level, the Loire, Rhône, and Isère remain the hardest-hit departments. The Loire and the Saint-Étienne metropolitan area have the highest viral incidence and positivity rates in metropolitan France. The Rhône and the Lyon metropolitan area, as well as Isère and the Grenoble metropolitan area, are also among the hardest-hit regions.