Key Points

In week 20 (May 17–23, 2021), epidemiological indicators of SARS-CoV-2 circulation continued to decline in Île-de-France, with the exception of new admissions to critical care units, where the decline observed over the past five weeks came to a sharp halt. Epidemiological indicators remained above national levels, while hospital pressure stayed high amid the gradual lifting of public health restrictions and incomplete vaccination coverage.

The incidence rate for week 20 in Île-de-France continued to decline for the seventh consecutive week, while the testing rate remained relatively stable. The positivity rate also continued to decline, both at the regional and departmental levels. Despite these declines, incidence and positivity rates remained at high levels across all age groups and exceeded national levels. The 15–44 age group, which remains largely unvaccinated, warrants heightened vigilance in the coming weeks as enhanced measures to curb the epidemic are lifted and vaccination coverage remains incomplete.

The decline in new hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients that began in Week 17 continued into Week 20 but was less pronounced, while the number of new admissions to critical care units stabilized at +2% (corresponding to +7 admissions). Pressure on the hospital system remains significant in the current context. Île-de-France remains one of the two metropolitan regions with a hospitalization rate still above 10 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Vaccination coverage in Île-de-France continued to increase. As of May 25, 2021, 4,000,523 residents of Île-de-France had received at least one dose of the vaccine (vaccination coverage at 32.6%) and 1,600,320 had received the full vaccination regimen (vaccination coverage at 13.0%).

Thus, in the context of the gradual lifting of collective restriction measures and incomplete vaccination coverage, it is essential to maintain a high level of adherence to individual prevention measures, testing, and isolation of cases and at-risk contacts. Adherence to these individual prevention measures and the rapid progress of vaccination remain essential to sustain the observed downward trend and preserve hospital capacity.