Key Points

Increase in the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19.
To reduce the risk of introducing and spreading new, more transmissible variants on the island, travelers are advised to self-isolate for 7 days following their arrival in Réunion.

• The number of new cases and the incidence rate in Réunion decreased in week S02-2021 compared to the previous week. The positivity rate is also declining.

• However, hospital surveillance indicators are rising sharply: emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care admissions; although the health impact has not yet led to hospital strain. The virus is still circulating in Réunion, and the situation remains fragile.

• As people return from vacation ahead of the start of the school year, it is necessary to step up communication regarding testing of travelers to limit a resurgence of the epidemic.

• Three imported cases of the South African variant have been identified on the island and are currently hospitalized. Increased vigilance is required in identifying new variants by reporting travel history during investigations for anyone returning from a trip.

• Anyone, whether symptomatic or not, who has traveled to Mayotte, the Comoros, or Mozambique in the past 14 days is encouraged to take an RT-PCR test as soon as possible to ensure they are not positive for COVID-19 or potentially carrying the 501-Y-V2 variant.

• The vaccination campaign in long-term care facilities for the elderly began on January 15, 2021, and has already vaccinated more than 500 residents and an equal number of healthcare workers.