Key Points

In week 35 of 2020 (August 24–30), testing activity increased compared to the previous week, with 81,085 RT-PCR tests performed. The number of new biologically confirmed cases rose sharply to 1,543 (+25% compared to the previous week), the highest weekly figure observed since the lifting of lockdown measures (616 new infections in week 21 of 2020). The regional incidence rate (32.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants) continued to rise in week 35 of 2020 compared to week 34 of 2020 (1,076 new cases, representing an incidence of 22.4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). However, it remains lower than the rate observed at the national level (56.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Three-quarters (78.2%) of new cases in week 35 of 2020 are under the age of 50 (46% are aged 20 to 39), 46% report being asymptomatic, and 38% symptomatic (information is not available for 15% of cases). In week 35 of 2020, viral circulation is increasing in nearly all departments of the region: the incidence rate is rising in nine of them: the Ardennes (12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), the Marne (27.1 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haute-Marne (15.4 per 100,000 inhabitants), Moselle (32.7 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meurthe-et-Moselle (32.2 per 100,000 inhabitants), Meuse (17.6 per 100,000 inhabitants), Bas-Rhin (38.1 per 100,000 inhabitants), Haut-Rhin (21.2 per 100,000 inhabitants), and Vosges (15.9 per 100,000 inhabitants). It exceeds the alert threshold of 10 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in all departments. Aube is the only department where the incidence rate is slightly declining (23.9 per 100,000 inhabitants). To halt the deterioration of the health situation, observed since mid-July, it is imperative to adhere to preventive measures and social distancing in all aspects of daily life (with family, at work, during leisure activities, or when socializing with friends). The number of consultations for suspected Covid-19 at the region’s five SOS Médecins associations and the number of emergency room visits for suspected Covid-19 at the region’s healthcare facilities have risen slightly compared to the previous week.
In week 35 of 2020, the number of new hospitalizations has increased slightly compared to week 34. The number of new admissions to intensive care units remains stable compared to the previous week. While the current profile of new cases (tending to be younger and without major clinical symptoms) explains the limited impact of the increase in their numbers on the healthcare system, they nonetheless contribute to the spread of the virus.

As of September 2, 143 clusters or clusters of cases have been identified in the region since May 11 (14 more than the previous week), 51 of which are currently under investigation. No uncontrolled community spread (new cases occurring outside the cluster and linked to it) has been reported.