Summary

Given that surveillance indicators have remained stable for several weeks, this epidemiological update focuses on virological surveillance data and reports of clusters (or transmission hotspots) intended to serve as early warnings. A more comprehensive presentation of the indicators will be provided on a monthly basis.
It is based on an analysis of data through June 11, 2020, and complements the analysis conducted at the national level.

What is already known about the situation in Occitanie?

The current epidemiological pressure of COVID-19 in the Occitanie region is generally characterized by low viral circulation, according to virological and syndromic surveillance data (epidemiological indicators have been decreasing or stable at low levels for several weeks).
Despite low viral circulation, clusters are active in the region. They primarily affect facilities housing dependent elderly individuals (Ehpad) or healthcare facilities. In these facilities, the existence of clusters often results from persistent viral circulation since the lockdown, a legacy of circulation in the general population prior to the lockdown.
Other clusters are emerging in populations where maintaining physical distancing measures is difficult and where viral circulation is facilitated by the movement of people. This is currently the case with an active interregional cluster spanning the PACA and Occitanie regions among agricultural workers in three departments. This cluster, which occurs within a population larger than that of a residential facility and is embedded in the community, is being monitored with particular attention.
No uncontrolled community spread has been reported to date in the Occitanie region.

What are the public health implications in the region?

The continued circulation of the virus in the region requires a high level of vigilance regarding hygiene, protective measures, and physical distancing to minimize the emergence or persistence of transmission chains.
In this context, the early detection of clusters is a major challenge in controlling the spread of the virus, as their rapid management allows for the earliest possible interruption of transmission chains between individuals, thereby preventing 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 was published this week on the website.