Key Points

The epidemic trend is currently stable in French Guiana, reflecting a relatively low level of viral circulation in the territory. Last week, an average of 12 cases were confirmed each day, as in the previous week.

The incidence rate stands at 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the positivity rate is 2.4%. The testing rate has increased following a decline, part of which can be attributed to the Carnival season and school holidays.

New hospitalizations and ICU admissions also remained stable last week, with 10 new hospitalizations, including 1 in the ICU. Two new deaths were reported this week.

As of February 28, 2021, 3,800 people have been vaccinated in French Guiana. Vaccination coverage for those aged 75 and older stands at 10.5% in French Guiana. Since February 14, vaccination has been expanded to all healthcare workers and all individuals over the age of 50 in French Guiana.

Genomic surveillance of variants in French Guiana: since the start of surveillance, analyses and epidemiological investigations have detected:

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

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

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