Key Points

COVID-19

In the Hauts-de-France region, during the period from March 22 to 28, 2021 (Week 12, data as of March 31, 2021), with nearly 31,000 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the increasingly widespread presence of the 20I/501Y variant.With V1 detected in over 80% of screened tests, viral circulation continues to intensify. The epidemic is particularly affecting those aged 10 to 59, with a significant increase in incidence rates—most pronounced among 10- to 19-year-olds—amid a substantial rise in testing rates. Among those over 65, the regional incidence rate remains at a very high level, with no favorable trend.

Bronchiolitis

Epidemic phase for the fourth consecutive week in Hauts-de-France. The rise in surveillance indicators for bronchiolitis and other respiratory viral infections, coinciding with the intensification of SARS-CoV-2 circulation, illustrates the decline in public adherence to preventive measures since the end of 2020 and supports the regional findings of the CoviPrev survey.

Mortality

In Hauts-de-France, a significant “plateau” in excess mortality from all causes has been observed since week 43 of 2020, across all age groups and among people aged 65 and older