Key Points

In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections diagnosed in week 35 (August 24–31) and the incidence rate had risen by more than 40% compared to the previous week. The increase in the number of people tested (+21%) remained lower than that of the number of diagnosed cases, reflecting an ever-increasing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the region. Among those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, more than half were between the ages of 20 and 40. Incidence rates rose in all departments. The Rhône department reached an incidence rate of nearly 80 per 100,000. The other departments with high incidence rates showing very sharp increases are Ain, Loire, and Puy-de-Dôme. The weekly number of new clusters has stabilized compared to week 34. As of September 1, 51 SARS-CoV-2 infection clusters are being monitored, including 11 in the Rhône, 7 in the Ain, and 7 in Isère. Reported outbreaks in long-term care facilities, SOS Médecins calls (+15%), and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 (+33%), as well as the number of new hospitalizations—including admissions to intensive care—increased sharply in week 35, though they remained at limited levels. In mainland France, the number of new confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection rose by 33% compared to the previous week. Nineteen departments had incidence rates exceeding the alert threshold. The PACA and Île-de-France regions were those where viral circulation was most intense (national data available on the Santé publique France website). In light of this concerning rise in the epidemic, it is essential that the entire population adhere to preventive measures, particularly mask-wearing and physical distancing. The “Test-Trace-Isolate” strategy must be continued so that anyone exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or having even the slightest doubt can receive a screening test as soon as possible. In the meantime, individuals must self-isolate and limit their contacts to the absolute minimum.