Key Points

The epidemic trend is currently stable in French Guiana, reflecting a low level of viral circulation in the territory. Last week, an average of about 10 cases were confirmed each day. The incidence rate has decreased slightly to 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the positivity rate was 2.1%. The testing rate remained stable at 1,153 tests, compared to 1,226 tests in week 08.

New hospitalizations and ICU admissions remained stable last week, with 12 new hospitalizations (including 1 in the ICU), compared to 10 hospitalizations (including 1 in the ICU) in week 08. One new death was reported this week.

As of March 9, the effective reproduction number (R_eff) for confirmed cases was estimated at 0.80 [0.62–1.00], stable compared to last week. Preventive measures (wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing, etc.) and testing at the slightest sign of symptoms must nevertheless be maintained at a high level among the population to prevent any resurgence of the epidemic.

As of March 10, 5,180 people had been vaccinated in French Guiana. Vaccination coverage for those aged 75 and older stands at 12% in French Guiana. Since February 14, vaccination has been expanded to all healthcare workers and all individuals over 50 years of age in French Guiana.

Genomic surveillance of variants in French Guiana: as of 6:00 PM on March 10, molecular analyses to detect variants identified:

• Eight cases of the 20I/501Y.V1 variant (United Kingdom)

• Four cases of the 20J/501Y.V3 variant (Brazil)

• Five suspected cases of the 20J/501Y.V3 (Brazil) or 20H/501Y.V2 (RSA) variant via PCR screening

• Additional samples are currently being analyzed, which may lead to changes in the findings presented in this epidemiological update.