Key Points

In week 53 (December 28, 2020, to January 3, 2021), early epidemiological indicators monitoring the COVID-19 epidemic showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the region. Week 53 marks the beginning of the period during which an increase in these indicators could follow and be linked to year-end holiday gatherings.

Update on cases of emerging variants

As of January 6, 2021, 22 cases of infection with emerging variants had been identified in France: 19 cases of the VOC 202012/01 variant (United Kingdom) and 3 cases of the 501Y.V2 variant (South Africa). These cases correspond to patients tested between December 13 and 28, 2020. This count does not include any secondary or even tertiary cases identified during investigations. For 2 cases of infection with the VOC 202012/01 variant, no direct link to the United Kingdom has been identified. These cases were identified in various regions of metropolitan France: one or more confirmed cases of the VOC 202012/01 variant (United Kingdom) in 7 regions (Centre-Val de Loire, Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Corsica) and of the 501Y.V2 variant (South Africa) in 2 regions (Grand Est and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur). This situation is subject to change.