Key Points

In Week 37 (September 7–13, 2020), indicators tracking the COVID-19 epidemic are on the rise in the region. Viral circulation is intensifying further, with 7,367 new cases detected (+32% compared to Week 36), resulting in an incidence rate of 92 per 100,000, as the number of people tested increased by another 20%. The saturation of diagnostic capacity in the region is increasing the time required to consolidate these indicators, which are therefore likely underestimated. Half of the region’s departments have exceeded the incidence alert threshold of 50 per 100,000, and two of them are above 100 per 100,000: the Rhône, which has the highest incidence rate in metropolitan France after the Bouches-du-Rhône, and the Loire, where the rate of increase is the fastest.

The incidence rate continues to rise across all age groups. Despite the very sharp increase in testing among children as schools reopened, the incidence rate among 0- to 10-year-olds remains well below the average incidence rate, suggesting limited value in extensive testing of children, whose contribution to virus transmission is lower than that of adults. Conversely, the circulation of the virus, which has been observed primarily among young adults since this summer, is increasingly spreading to older age groups. Thus, the incidence rate among people aged 75 and older has increased eightfold since late August.

The deterioration in viral circulation indicators is translating into a growing health impact, with a marked increase in activity related to suspected COVID-19 cases in primary care and an increasingly visible impact in hospitals. New hospitalizations have thus increased by 70% in general wards and 56% in intensive care units. Hospital deaths, which had remained stable until now, have also risen: 20 in week 37, compared to 6 in week 36.

The number of reports of cluster cases is increasing, particularly in schools and universities and, more worryingly, in nursing homes. In recent days, facilities have reported incidents involving deaths among their residents. The situation in nursing homes requires the utmost vigilance. In light of this accelerated spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, behavioral prevention measures—including adherence to protective measures, mask use, physical distancing, and hygiene (handwashing)—must be strictly enforced.

The “Test-Trace-Isolate” strategy remains at the heart of the strategy to combat the virus. Fact sheets outlining the steps to take for sick individuals and contacts of confirmed cases are available on the Santé publique France website. They have been updated to reflect the reduction in the isolation period for cases and contacts (7 days instead of 14 days). Finally, since September 11, 2020, a strategy for prioritizing screening tests has been implemented to ensure rapid access to diagnosis for priority patients, including symptomatic individuals, high-risk contacts, healthcare workers, and home care providers (more info).