Key Points

COVID-19: Viral circulation is intensifying throughout the Occitanie region, and this trend is reflected in an increase in the use of healthcare services—both outpatient and inpatient—for both severe and non-severe cases.

In Week 43 and at the regional level, syndromic surveillance indicators reflecting mild forms of the disease were on the rise compared to the previous week (emergency room visits and procedures performed by SOS Médecins). Consultations with primary care physicians in the Sentinelles network, however, remained stable.

The number of new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units was on the rise in week 43 (up 37% and 24%, respectively, compared to the previous week). This trend was observed in most departments and affected both all age groups and those aged 65 and older.

Indicators of viral circulation in the general population were also rising compared to the previous week in all departments of the region and across all age groups. The age-standardized incidence rate exceeded 250 cases per 100,000 in 10 of the region’s 13 departments. Incidence was rising across all age groups; those aged 20–30 remained the most affected age group. The rise in virological indicators to high levels over the previous two weeks indicates very active and rapid viral circulation in the Occitanie region. All indicators are on the rise, both in outpatient settings and in hospitals.

As of October 29, 2020, all 13 departments in the region were classified as having a high vulnerability level. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining the epidemic’s impact on the healthcare system, as we await the first effects on the epidemic’s trajectory of the most stringent management measures (lockdown) announced this week