Key Points

• Following the decline in the epidemic between weeks 46 and 48, a slowdown in the rate of decline in viral circulation has been observed, with the number of new cases tending to stabilize and even a slight increase in indicators observed in week 49. SARS-CoV-2 circulation remains active and continues in the region.

• In week 49 (November 30 to December 6), the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases tended to stabilize, with approximately 5,100 new confirmed cases recorded in the region. An upward trend in the incidence rate is observed, with 85.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (+4%). This upward trend is particularly evident among older adults, mainly those aged 75 and older (+11%).

• The positivity rate is 5.2% in week 49 compared to 4.8% in week 48, representing an 8% increase. It is rising across all age groups.

• The testing rate decreased slightly to 1,639 tests per 100,000 inhabitants in week 49.

• The indicators presented are based on the new definition (which includes people who tested positive for the first time in over 60 days and those who tested negative multiple times). They cover RT-PCR tests only through November 15 (week 46), and starting November 16 (week 47), they include antigen tests (laboratory-based rapid diagnostic tests and rapid antigen tests entered into SIDEP by healthcare professionals).