Summary

• In Normandy, epidemiological indicators have changed over the past two weeks; between weeks 24 and 25, the incidence rate doubled and remained at a rate close to 4 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 26. Similarly, the positivity rate rose in week 25 before falling again in week 26 due to an increase in testing capacity. These indicators are heavily influenced by Seine-Maritime, where several clusters are currently under investigation and where viral circulation is being observed in the Rouen metropolitan area.

• To break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, a strategy for identifying cases, testing their contacts, and isolating sick individuals and at-risk contacts has been in place throughout Normandy since the start of the epidemic. The goal is to detect the emergence of new cases very early on, particularly clusters of new cases, to limit viral transmission in the region.

• In this context, starting Friday, July 3, a large-scale, prescription-free testing campaign will begin for residents of the Rouen Normandy metropolitan area.

• Week 26 is also marked by an increase in SOS Médecins calls for suspected COVID-19 cases, particularly among children. This could be linked to the return to group settings and schools, which has the effect of reigniting viral transmission leading to nonspecific ENT symptoms (consequently, an increase in PCR test orders).

• Starting in week 27, the Sentinelle surveillance of severe COVID-19 cases admitted to intensive care is suspended. In fact, no new admissions have been reported in Normandy since week 22.