Key Points

In week 34, epidemiological indicators showed a slowdown in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Île-de-France, although it remained at a high level. The incidence rate showed a slight decline, as did the indicators for new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care. However, given the many uncertainties surrounding the end of the summer vacation period and the return of residents to the Île-de-France region, the widespread circulation of the Delta variant, a slight decrease in testing, declining public adherence to preventive measures, and still-incomplete vaccination coverage, this decline remains to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

In Île-de-France, the regional incidence rate for week 34 was 168 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a decrease for the second consecutive week following a seven-week upward trend. The decline in the incidence rate was observed primarily among adults aged 15 to 44. The testing rate continued its downward trend for the second consecutive week among residents of the Île-de-France region. The positivity rate, meanwhile, remained stable.

In Week 34, the proportion of hospital emergency room visits for “suspected COVID-19” decreased slightly for the second consecutive week, while the proportion of SOS Médecins calls for “suspected COVID-19” remained stable.

At the hospital level, indicators for new hospitalizations and new admissions to critical care units continued the decline that began last week after six consecutive weeks of increases. The number of new deaths in hospitals among COVID-19 patients also began a very slight decline this week after five weeks of increases. The number of deaths from all causes and across all age groups in Île-de-France has remained within the usual fluctuation range since week 24 of 2021 (source: INSEE as of August 31, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.).

As of August 30, 2021, 70.8% of the Île-de-France population of all ages had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 64.3% were fully vaccinated. In week 34, the rate of increase in vaccination coverage with at least one dose continued to slow since week 31 for adults aged 18 and older, while it increased among 12- to 17-year-olds. This increase may be partly linked to the start of the school year.

Against a backdrop of continued high viral circulation, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, and with the end of the summer season and the start of the school year approaching, vaccination of all eligible individuals must continue to be strongly encouraged and must be accompanied by high adherence to other preventive measures.