Key Points

• The regional incidence rate continues to rise and stood at 384 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase of 31% compared to the previous week. As of May 18, the effective reproduction number (R_eff) for confirmed cases was estimated at 1.21 [1.14–1.28], stable compared to last week, reflecting the continuing upward trend. This trend is observed throughout the region, with a marked increase in the West.

• The incidence is stabilizing among those under 20 but continues to rise in all other age groups. New hospitalizations across all departments are up compared to the previous week, with 67 new admissions in S19. Intensive care admissions have been at a high level for nearly six weeks and continue to rise at a rate higher than during the second wave. The increase in emergency room visits continues, with 150 visits in Week 19. A sharp rise in consultations for COVID-19 is also being observed in the city.

• Three new deaths were also reported last week, bringing the total number of deaths since March 2020 to 112.

• Only 5.3% of the population in French Guiana is fully vaccinated: this coverage rate is too low to protect the territory, but it is increasing among those over 50, with 25% of people having already received a first dose.

In this context, it remains important to limit social contacts and to follow preventive measures and social distancing guidelines in all settings—both private and professional—to limit the spread of the virus. Vaccination, particularly for age groups most at risk of developing severe illness (ages 50 and older), is more critical than ever and remains available to individuals aged 16 and older in French Guiana.