Key Points

• In Week 17 (April 26–May 2, 2021), epidemiological indicators of SARS-CoV-2 circulation were declining in Île-de-France. However, they remained at a high level, higher than that observed one week before the lifting of the second lockdown. Hospital pressure remained significant in the region.

• The incidence rate, testing rate, and positivity rate were declining in Week 17 in Île-de-France. These declines were observed in all departments of the region and across all age groups. However, the figures remained at high levels and must be closely monitored in the coming weeks due to the upcoming easing of restrictions.

• The number of new hospitalizations showed a more pronounced decline than the previous week, but the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained high, with more than 7,200 patients hospitalized in Île-de-France as of May 5, 2021. Admissions to intensive care units also decreased in Week 17 but remained above the peak levels observed during the second wave. The proportion of patients aged 80 and older admitted to these units continued to decline, consistent with the progress of vaccination.

• The number of hospital deaths among COVID-19 patients was decreasing in Week 17 but remained at a high level, reflecting the intensity of the epidemic in previous weeks; the excess number of deaths from all causes and across all age groups was already evident in Île-de-France in Week 16.

• At the same time, COVID-19 vaccination continued to increase in Week 17 in Île-de-France. As of May 4, 2021, 2,490,729 residents of Île-de-France had received at least one dose of the vaccine (vaccination coverage at 20.3%), and 1,123,776 people had received the full vaccination series (vaccination coverage at 9.2%).

• Although the decline in epidemiological indicators confirms the slowdown in viral circulation, transmission remained high in Île-de-France, particularly compared to other regions. In this context, limiting contacts and travel, as well as the consistent adoption of preventive measures, are essential for everyone. Adherence to these individual preventive measures and the rapid progress of vaccination remain essential to enable a future easing of public health measures, sustain the observed downward trend, and preserve hospital capacity.