Summary

Epidemiological Situation in French Guiana as of June 18, 2020, at 8:00 a.m.

Since early March, 1,758 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in French Guiana: the number of confirmed cases has thus doubled in one week, reflecting the intensification of transmission. Between 120 and 150 cases were confirmed each day last week, compared to 100 the previous week and 50 the week before that.

Syndromic surveillance data (consultations for acute respiratory infections in private practice and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19) confirm this upward trend. The rate of consultations for acute respiratory infections stood at 269 per 100,000 households last week, of which likely one-third was attributable to the virus responsible for COVID-19. In emergency departments, on average, 1 in 10 visits was for suspected COVID-19.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have also increased significantly, with between one and two admissions to intensive care occurring every day since June 10.

The outbreak has therefore intensified in French Guiana, though the intensity of viral circulation varies across the territory.

Now more than ever, vigilance is crucial, with strict enforcement of preventive measures, particularly around people at risk of developing a severe form of the disease.

These preventive measures apply to daily life but also to anyone with suggestive symptoms or a positive test result, as well as to all individuals in close contact with them, who must then self-quarantine for 14 days and wear a mask.