COVID-19: Epidemiological Update from the Meeting on August 13, 2020

Published on 14 August 2020

Key Points

As of August 12, 2020, more than 20 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide. In the subregion, Madagascar is the hardest-hit country, with more than 13,300 cases recorded as of August 12, 2020. In Mayotte, the positivity rate remains high (5.7% and more than 80 cases reported in S32).

In France, all indicators continue to rise, and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is accelerating. Between August 3 and 9, 2020, more than 11,600 confirmed cases were reported. As of August 11, 2020, 19 departments were classified as having moderate vulnerability and 2 as having high vulnerability (Mayotte, French Guiana).

Situation in Réunion: resurgence of COVID-19 cases, local transmission of the virus

In Réunion, the number of locally transmitted cases has been rising since week 32, linked to several clusters, including one that is not under control. Regardless of these clusters, the number of locally transmitted cases increased in weeks 32 and 33, suggesting that the virus is circulating locally.

Note that Réunion is currently in an inter-epidemic period for dengue, and to date, no influenza activity has been identified according to the surveillance indicators being monitored.

Test—Trace—Isolate

Taking a diagnostic sample for SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of suggestive clinical signs (as outlined in the HCSP advisory of April 20), even if the individual has not traveled or been in contact with an infected person, is essential for the early identification of infected individuals and the initiation of investigation, contact tracing, and subsequent protective measures (isolation of infected individuals, 14-day quarantine of contacts, etc.).

Any healthcare professional can report chains of transmission or probable clusters to the ARS to quickly identify any local transmission: ars-reunion-signal@ars.sante.fr.