Key Points

COVID-19

In Hauts-de-France, during Week 18, the epidemic continues to decline at both the regional and departmental levels. Incidence rates are now significantly below the maximum alert threshold (250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) in the Somme, Nord, and Pas-de-Calais departments. At the sub-departmental level, 20% of EPCIs still have incidence rates above the maximum alert threshold. The regional test positivity rate continues to decline and is approaching the 5% alert threshold, against a backdrop of steadily increasing testing.

Among those aged 65 and older, the epidemiological situation continues to improve, with declining incidence and morbidity rates, attributable to the high and steadily increasing vaccination coverage, with three-quarters of people aged 65 and older having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the region.

However, the epidemic burden remains high in hospitals across Hauts-de-France, with approximately 3,000 patients still hospitalized for COVID-19 and about 570 patients still receiving critical care. Furthermore, a plateau in excess mortality—across all causes and age groups—has continued to be observed in the region for several months.