Summary

What is currently known about the situation in Réunion?

The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Réunion starting on March 11. These were imported cases (travelers returning from areas where the virus was circulating). These cases led to the initial spread of the virus on the island, and secondary cases linked to these imported cases were identified. Subsequently, cases with no direct link to an area of active viral circulation or to an imported case were also identified, indicating local transmission of the virus on the island. Nevertheless, the early identification of contacts of infected individuals, monitoring their isolation and testing them if symptoms developed, the implementation of lockdown measures, the reduction of air traffic through the ban on leisure flights (tourism, visits to friends, etc.) to Réunion, and the 14-day quarantine of travelers returning to the island have helped limit the introduction of the virus and slow its spread across Réunion.

What’s new in this Update for the region?

Indicators from various surveillance systems agree on the epidemic’s trajectory: a decrease and a slowdown in the number of new cases have been observed since week 14. The low number of identified local cases indicates that the virus’s circulation on the island is very limited. However, the threat of a resurgence of the epidemic remains, particularly with the end of lockdown and the arrival of travelers from mainland France who may be carriers of the virus.

What are the public health implications for the region?

As part of the lifting of lockdown measures, a specific and responsive system involving all healthcare providers and institutions has been established to minimize the emergence of new transmission chains. This individual surveillance system is based on two pillars
:- early detection of patients by healthcare professionals, which involves screening symptomatic individuals and implementing control measures if the test is positive;
- contact tracing, which involves the early identification and monitoring of individuals who have had high-risk contact with an infected person through the regional platform that brings together the expertise of the Health Insurance Fund and the Regional Health Agency, with support from the regional unit of Santé publique France. At the same time, the Regional Health Agency continues to support nursing homes and medical-social facilities in implementing specific management measures, particularly regarding hygiene and the protection of residents and staff.

To date, the epidemiological situation remains fragile and depends on our collective ability to continue implementing the control measures put in place. The results achieved during this lockdown period have been significant, so it is important to continue adhering to the rules and preventive measures. Special attention must be paid by those returning from mainland France, who must observe their 14-day quarantine to avoid transmitting the virus on the island and triggering chains of transmission.