Key Points

• A slowdown in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is observed in the region, with a downward trend in the incidence rate and positivity rate during week 05-2021.

• In week 05-2021 (February 1–7), the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases declined slightly, with 9,284 new confirmed cases in the region. The incidence rate reached 154.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, marking the first decline in five weeks.

• The positivity rate is also down compared to last week, at 4.9% in Week 05 (5.8% in Week 04). Among asymptomatic individuals tested, this rate is 3.1% (3.5% in Week 04), compared to 10.9% among symptomatic individuals (13.0% in Week 04).

• In Week 05, the testing rate remained stable at 3,190 tests per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 3,095 per 100,000 inhabitants in Week 04.

• The indicators presented are based on the new definition, which accounts for individuals 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 SI-DEP by healthcare professionals).