Key Points

The regional trend showed relative stabilization last week following two consecutive weeks of sharp increases. However, the weekly incidence rate remains close to 400 cases per 100,000 residents. The testing rate decreased slightly in week 20, and the positivity rate increased slightly, which is consistent with the observed stabilization.

As of May 25, the effective reproduction number (R) of cases had fallen to 1.07, further suggesting that the virus is now having a harder time circulating. An 11% decline in the incidence rate was confirmed last week on the island of Cayenne and is currently continuing, while a slowdown to +11% compared to +25% the previous week was observed in Savanes, followed by a decline in recent days. The burden of the epidemic therefore continues to shift westward, with incidence last week increasing by 40% in the St. Laurent area.

Hospitalizations were on the rise last week, and ICU admissions remained stable, reflecting the impact of previous weeks. The total number of deaths since March 2020 stands at 115. Vaccination is progressing in French Guiana, particularly among the most vulnerable: 30% of those aged 50 to 74 have received a first vaccine dose, and approximately 20% are now fully vaccinated. Vaccination in these age groups, and among people with underlying conditions that put them at risk of severe COVID-19, remains a priority and is available to everyone aged 16 and older.