Key Points

Last week, the incidence rate continued to rise: it stands at 260 cases per 100,000 residents, compared to 211 per 100,000 the previous week (+23%). At the same time, the Delta variant continues to spread across the region: it is now the dominant strain and accounts for more than 60% of PCR tests screened. Cayenne Island and the municipalities of Macouria and Kourou are the most affected by the rise and spread of the Delta variant. In the West, the decline in cases continues but is likely only temporary. An increase is expected in the coming weeks. Furthermore, as of Monday, 518 cases have already been confirmed—70% of last week’s total—even though the week is not yet over and the data is very incomplete. This indicates that the increase is continuing this week at a steady pace. It is worth noting that in Guadeloupe, the incidence rate rose from 75 to 1,900 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in four weeks. Such a surge has never been observed before. This does not mean that a similar increase will necessarily occur in French Guiana, but it calls for the utmost caution.

New hospitalizations were stable, but this trend masks disparities. The decline is mainly seen at the CHOG. At the CHC, the number of admissions to intensive care remains high and close to the levels observed at the peak of the third wave. Furthermore, given the sharp rise in infections, an increase is expected in the coming weeks.

While this ^fourth wave is starting strongly, vaccination is progressing slowly in the territory. One in five people has received a full course of vaccination. As evidenced by the assessment of the third wave presented on page 2 of this issue, in a context of low vaccination coverage, a wave with a stronger impact on the territory is still possible despite the virus having circulated for a year and a half.

In the face of the resurgence of cases and given that the region is not protected by vaccination, adherence to preventive measures, testing at the slightest suspicion, and contact tracing must be maintained at a high level. The most vulnerable are also protected by the responsible actions of those around them.