Key Points

• The number of new confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the weekly incidence rate (IR) continued to rise in the region, with more than 8,000 new cases detected (IR of 136 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The positivity rate (6.8%) is stable compared to the previous week and remains above the alert threshold (5%).

• Indicators of the resurgence of the epidemic have reached very high levels in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments and continue to rise sharply in the Nord department. The incidence rate is currently above the alert thresholds (50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) in 4 of the 5 departments (Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Oise, and Somme).

• The resurgence of the epidemic affects all age groups but particularly young adults aged 15 to 29, who account for nearly half (42%) of the new cases recorded in the region (TI of 246 cases per 105 inhabitants) in week 38.

• The continued increase in the number of new hospitalizations and ICU admissions, as well as the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in healthcare and medical-social facilities (ESMS) and residential care facilities for the elderly (EHPA), and the surge in the number of new clusters, all point to an increased risk linked to the intensified circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the region.

• The trend in these indicators calls for the utmost vigilance and the strengthening of measures to prevent transmission.