Abstract

This epidemiological update focuses on virological surveillance data and reports of clusters (or transmission outbreaks), particularly those in nursing homes.
All indicators monitored by Santé publique France are detailed in the educational report on COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance tailored to the challenges of the national strategy for lifting lockdown measures, published on June 18 by Santé publique France.
It is based on an analysis of data through July 29, 2020, and complements the analysis conducted at the national level.

What is the current situation in Occitanie?

Syndromic surveillance indicators were generally stable over the past week at the regional level and within the departments. Virology data (SI-DEP) show that viral circulation at the regional level is stable, with variations by department. In particular, there has been a recent increase in the number of new confirmed cases in Haute-Garonne, primarily affecting people aged 20–30 in the Toulouse area, with no link to identified clusters. Given these factors, the risk level in Haute-Garonne has risen from low to moderate (see the vulnerability map on the Santé publique France website). An increase in viral circulation is also being observed in the Gard department, primarily linked to a reported cluster.

What are the public health implications in the region?

The increase in viral circulation in certain departments of the region, not always linked to reported clusters, calls for stricter enforcement of preventive measures (barrier measures, physical distancing) and testing to limit the emergence or persistence of transmission chains, particularly in areas with higher viral circulation. It is necessary to intensify public awareness efforts and the “test-trace-isolate” strategy. Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should consult a doctor, undergo diagnostic testing as soon as possible, and comply with isolation measures.
Furthermore, it is important that symptomatic individuals or contacts of a confirmed case be encouraged to get tested at the slightest suspicion and without delay in order to isolate infected individuals as soon as possible, and to identify and isolate contacts of these cases through the testing, tracing, and isolation system established by healthcare professionals, the National Health Insurance, and the Regional Health Agencies (ARS).
In this context, the early detection of clusters is a major challenge in controlling the spread of the virus, as their rapid management makes it possible to break the chains of transmission between individuals as soon as possible and thus prevent the onset of a new wave of the epidemic.
Any COVID-19 cluster (defined as the occurrence of at least 3 confirmed or probable cases within a 7-day period, belonging to the same community or having participated in the same gathering of people, whether they know each other or not) must be reported immediately to the focal point of the Occitanie Regional Health Agency: ars31-alerte@ars.sante.fr.

To guide cluster investigations, a methodological guide has been published on the Santé publique France website.