Key Points

In Week 09 (March 1–7, 2021), early epidemiological surveillance indicators (virological, emergency care utilization) remained at a high level, reflecting the continued high circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the region.

Rising incidence rates persisted across all departments in the region to varying degrees. The incidence rate decreased very slightly among the oldest age group (75 years and older) after stabilizing in Week 08. The highest incidence rates were observed among those aged 15–44 for the 10th consecutive week. The improvement in epidemiological indicators among those aged 75 and older in the general population may reflect the protective effect of the level of vaccination coverage achieved in this population. This improvement was also observed among residents of long-term care facilities, where the number of new confirmed cases declined in week 9.

However, the increase in the incidence rate in the region continued to put pressure on the hospital system, with a further rise in hospitalizations. The number of COVID-19-related deaths in hospitals also increased in Week 9.

All-cause mortality remained at a high level in Île-de-France. Moderate but sustained excess mortality was observed for the sixth consecutive week.

Increases in epidemiological surveillance indicators were observed against a backdrop of suspected increased transmissibility and even increased severity of infections due to variants, with the 20I/591Y.V1 (UK) variant remaining the dominant strain (68.6%) in all departments of the region.

In Île-de-France, single-dose vaccination coverage stood at 5.0% in the general population, 36.8% among the oldest age group (75 years and older) in the general population, and 86.7% specifically among residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.