Key Points

In Week 41, increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and higher surveillance indicators:

• Increase in the incidence rate (IR) in all departments except Cher and Loiret, where it remains stable. The highest incidence rates are observed in the 65+ age group, with an increase in this age group across all departments.

• Increase in the positivity rate in all departments except Cher. Increase in the regional positivity rate among symptomatic individuals

• Slight decrease in the testing rate, partly due to the removal of reimbursement for so-called “convenience” tests.

• L452R variant is predominant in the region (98.0% of screened tests). 100% of cases identified as the Delta variant through sequencing during investigations on September 21 and 28, 2021.

• Increase in the proportion of procedures performed by SOS Médecins and in emergency room visits for suspected COVID.

• Increase in hospitalizations and decrease in critical care admissions.

Prevention

• Regional vaccination coverage as of October 19: 76.1% for one dose and 74.6% for the full course.

• Improved vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals in the region.

• Importance of combined measures: vaccination, preventive measures, and contact tracing.

• Results of the CoviPrev survey (September 28–October 5, 2021).

  • Decrease in adherence to hygiene and distancing measures since the third lockdown.

  • Decrease in depressive symptoms and stabilization of anxiety symptoms since the last survey wave (early September).