Key Points

COVID-19

The rapid increase in the incidence of COVID-19 cases in Normandy continues across the region’s five departments. Indicators in the health and medical-social sectors are following the same upward trend, with a high number of hospitalizations and intensive care admissions compared to previous weeks, as well as a sustained frequency of new cases reported in nursing homes. Peaks in excess mortality are being observed in the region compared to expected levels; while a link to the COVID-19 epidemic cannot be confirmed, it is possible and must be monitored. Due to long delays in processing data, the number of positive cases in Normandy in week 44 is underestimated; the incidence of the disease is likely to be revised upward next week.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis activity is generally showing a slight increase but remains lower than in previous years. No RSV isolates were found in patients hospitalized during the previous weeks (data from Caen University Hospital). The majority of isolated viruses were rhinoviruses. The Normandy Bronchiolitis Network (RBN) has resumed its activities; 13 children were seen, and 18 physical therapy sessions were conducted over the weekend (down from the previous weekend).