Key Points

In the Hauts-de-France region, during the period from January 18 to 24, 2021, the number of new cases continued to rise, and epidemiological indicators confirm a significant increase in the spread of the virus at the regional level. In Week 3, the regional trend varied by area, with a steady and significant increase in the departments of Aisne and Pas-de-Calais, while a slight decline was observed—for the first time in several weeks—in the department of Somme, where the spread of the epidemic had been a major concern in recent weeks. Finally, a stable or slowing trend is observed in the departments of Oise and Nord.

In Week 3, the regional incidence rate has plateaued at a high level among people over 65, except in the departments of Pas-de-Calais (+33%) and Aisne (+24%). The epidemic continues to spread in other age groups.

Pressure on healthcare resources increased in Week 3, an expected yet delayed consequence of the strong epidemic dynamics observed during the first two weeks of January in the region. The number of new deaths among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, which has remained high for several weeks, is rising again.

Unlike the second wave, which began in major cities and initially affected young adults and the working-age population, the sharpest increases in the epidemic are currently being observed in less densely populated areas, where the population may be less aware of the epidemic risk.