Key Points

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 continues in the region, with an upward trend in the incidence rate and positivity rate during week 03-2021.

In week 03-2021 (January 18–24), the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to rise, with 10,003 new confirmed cases in the region. The incidence rate has been rising gradually over the past four weeks, reaching 166.7 per 100,000 residents. This upward trend is observed across all age groups, except among those aged 75 and older, where the rate is stabilizing. The highest incidence rates, however, are observed among those aged 75 and older (202.6 per 100,000 inhabitants) and those aged 15–44 (202.7 per 100,000 inhabitants).

The positivity rate has risen slightly, reaching 6.1% in week 03 compared to 5.8% in week 02. The positivity rate remains highest among those aged 0–14, at 7.4%; however, it has been trending downward since Week 01-2021 in this age group, while it has increased in older age groups. The positivity rate among asymptomatic individuals tested was 3.9%, compared to 13.9% among symptomatic individuals.

In week 03, the testing rate remained relatively stable at 2,720 tests per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 2,630 per 100,000 in week 02.