Summary

In Normandy, during week 24, epidemiological indicators remained stable at low levels. The number of SOS Médecins calls and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 cases continued to stabilize. However, the positivity rate among patients tested for
SARS-CoV-2 (SI-DEP) rose slightly due to several family clusters in Seine-Maritime. This positivity rate remains below the 5% alert threshold, however. This week was marked by an effective reproduction number (Reff) above 1 in the region. This Reff represents the average number of people infected (secondary cases) by an infectious person (index case). This indicator therefore reflects the dynamics of virus transmission. It is important to note that the Reff estimate based on SI-DEP data may fluctuate due to diagnostic activity, which is influenced by local screening efforts and cluster investigations, particularly in the current situation of low incidence in the region. The interpretation of Reff values is only one factor in assessing the situation. Local epidemiological dynamics must be interpreted in conjunction with all indicators. This work is carried out daily through a contextual analysis of the potential
vulnerability of the departments. This provides health authorities with a daily epidemiological interpretation of the regional situation to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic. Regarding clusters within extended family settings in Seine-Maritime, the regional unit of
Santé publique France and the ARS Normandie are conducting active surveillance in the area to identify the transmission chains linked to these clusters. Controlling these situations is crucial due to the risk of community spread.