Key Points

Since early March, 8,743 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in French Guiana. On average, fewer than 40 cases per day have been confirmed since the last epidemiological update: seven weeks after the peak, the epidemic continues to decline. This week, the weekly incidence rate fell another 20% and is now below 100 cases per 100,000. Also on the decline, the positivity rate has dropped below 10%, while testing pressure remains high at over 1,000 tests per 100,000 residents. Once again this week, 8 out of 10 people tested and 1 out of 2 confirmed cases were asymptomatic. The decline in hospitalizations continues gradually, and as in the previous week, fewer than 1 person per day was admitted to intensive care. French Guiana has recorded 54 hospital deaths to date.

By region:

• The decline in new cases continues on the island of Cayenne and in the Savanes region.

• In St. Laurent du Maroni, the peak was likely passed in week 29, and the decline continues: the weekly incidence has fallen by 30% since the last epidemiological update, dropping from 250 to 170 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

• In the Maroni region, the data confirm the decline observed last week: the incidence has fallen sharply, and the peak has likely been reached.

• In St. Georges, a few weekly cases are being reported, indicating that residual transmission persists.

• Viral circulation is low or nonexistent in the other municipalities of French Guiana.

As the epidemic recedes throughout French Guiana and restrictive public health measures are eased, the goal is to maintain high levels of preventive measures in daily life to avoid an early resurgence of the epidemic (wearing masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing). The most vulnerable are protected only by the responsible actions of those around them. Getting tested, even without symptoms, is an opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones.

“Test, trace, isolate”: efforts to identify, test, and prevent the spread of the virus continued last week. This coordination between the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), biologists, the French Red Cross, Doctors of the World, and local authorities is essential, as is the contact tracing of all confirmed cases by the Health Insurance teams.