Key Points

• In Week 40, virological indicators in Île-de-France stopped declining and indicated that SARS-CoV-2 transmission had stabilized at high levels. Hospital indicators continued to show a decline, but this trend is likely to change in the coming weeks depending on how viral transmission evolves. The situation requires close monitoring in light of the start of the school year, the reduction in teleworking, falling temperatures, the widespread circulation of the Delta variant, declining public adherence to preventive measures, and still-incomplete vaccination coverage, the progress of which appears to be slowing.

• In Île-de-France, the regional incidence rate for week 40 was 63 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and stopped declining after seven consecutive weeks of decline. The testing rate decreased at the regional level, reflecting a decline among those aged 15–64. The positivity rate stabilized in all Île-de-France departments and across all age groups.

• In week 40, the proportion of primary care visits for “suspected COVID-19” stabilized among SOS Médecins clinics. At the hospital level, the number of new hospitalizations, the number of new admissions to intensive care, and the number of reported deaths in hospitals among COVID-19 patients continued to decline.

• As of October 10, 74.6% of the Île-de-France population of all ages had received at least one vaccine dose, and 71.7% were fully vaccinated. The increase in vaccination coverage with at least one dose remained low across all age groups.

• Against a backdrop of significant viral circulation, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, and falling temperatures, vaccination of all eligible individuals—particularly those in contact with vulnerable people—must be strongly encouraged with the goal of achieving a sufficient level of herd immunity as quickly as possible and avoiding further strain on hospitals. Alongside vaccination, it is also essential to maintain a high level of adherence to preventive measures, particularly the observance of protective measures, limiting risky contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.