Key Points

In Week 14 (April 5–11, 2021), epidemiological indicators of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Île-de-France remained at very high levels during this third wave of the epidemic. A trend toward stabilization of the indicators was observed, but pressure on hospitals remained very high in the region with no sign of easing.

The incidence rate decreased in Week 14, but this decline is partly due to a drop in testing activity caused by the Monday holiday and the closure of schools. The positivity rate, however, increased at both the regional and departmental levels, largely due to the use of more targeted testing. Among those aged 75 and older, the incidence rate was the lowest, and this was the only age group where the positivity rate did not increase in Week 14, possibly due to the vaccination coverage achieved in this more vulnerable population.

In Week 14, visits to primary care and emergency departments for “suspected COVID-19” stabilized. Nevertheless, the strain on the hospital system, which had already been very high for several weeks in Île-de-France, continued. The number of new hospitalizations appeared to stabilize in Week 14, but the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained at very high levels. Admissions to critical care units were still 52% higher than the peak levels observed during the second wave. The number of COVID-19-related deaths in hospitals increased slightly, and excess all-cause mortality was already evident in Île-de-France in Week 13.

At the same time, COVID-19 vaccination continued to progress in Week 14 in Île-de-France. As of April 13, 2021, single-dose vaccination coverage stood at 14.1% in the general population of all ages and at 65.9% among the oldest age group (75 years and older).

Despite the decline in certain epidemiological indicators—which must be interpreted with caution—SARS-CoV-2 circulation remained high in Île-de-France. In this context, limiting contacts—particularly during family gatherings—consistently practicing preventive measures, and adhering to the recently strengthened public health measures are essential for everyone, including those who have been vaccinated.