Key Points

• In Week 51, an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was observed (+57%), with a regional incidence rate of 187 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This increase is also accompanied by a rise in the positivity rate. The effective R value has also increased and is significantly higher than 1 (1.29), reflecting this trend.

• This upward trend affects the main sectors: Cayenne Island, Savanes, and the Western Coast. A more modest increase is also observed in the Maroni region.

• Furthermore, the first case of Omicron has been confirmed in the territory. Since then, about twenty suspected cases have been detected; most have not traveled, suggesting the beginning of local transmission.

• Conventional hospitalizations and emergency room visits were slightly up at the CHC, which may reflect the beginning of the impact of the rise in cases on hospitalizations. Intensive care admissions remained stable.

• Vaccination coverage for two doses stands at 27.2% in French Guiana, and 5.7% for the booster dose.

• To protect the most vulnerable and prevent transmission, particularly during the holiday season when gatherings are common, it is important to remain vigilant, get your booster shot, or start your vaccination series. Standard preventive measures must also be maintained, especially as the Omicron variant begins to circulate in the region.