Key Points

COVID-19

• In Hauts-de-France during Week 15, the incidence rate remained stable compared to Week 14, with no significant changes at the regional or departmental level. The positivity rate is very high, exceeding 10% in all departments, against a backdrop of a significant and ongoing decline in testing over the past two weeks (-35% in Week 14 and -14% in Week 15).

• The decrease in the testing rate is associated with an increase in the positivity rate, reflecting changes in testing protocols, which are likely now more focused on diagnosing those at highest risk of infection.

• In hospitals, the situation remains very strained at the regional level, with the number of patients currently receiving care in general wards and intensive care units remaining at an extremely high level.

• In the region, nearly two out of three people over the age of 65 have already received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly one in three is considered fully vaccinated.

Bronchiolitis

In the epidemic phase for the 7th consecutive week. In week 15 of 2021, bronchiolitis activity was down in emergency departments and showed a marked decrease among SOS Médecins. The rate of hospitalizations following visits to the emergency room has continued to decline for the past two weeks.

Mortality

At the regional level, a significant plateau in excess mortality from all causes has been observed since mid-October among people aged 65 and older and across all age groups. At the subregional level, since week 8 of 2021, this excess has persisted in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments among those aged 65 and older and across all age groups.