Key Points

• As of July 22, 2020, nearly 15 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, including more than 3 million in the past two weeks. According to the WHO, the countries of the Indian Ocean Commission have been relatively spared. While the number of cases has been rising rapidly in Madagascar for several weeks, the incidence rate remains below 20 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Mayotte, the epidemic is in a declining phase, but the positivity rate remains high (9.4% and 82 cases reported in week 29).

• In France, since week 27, the number of cases, emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19, reports in ESMS, and clusters have been increasing. As of July 22, 2020, 3 departments were classified as moderately vulnerable (Finistère, Gironde, Vosges) and 3 as highly vulnerable (Mayenne, Mayotte, French Guiana); the vulnerability level reflects viral circulation and its impact on public health.

• In Réunion, the number of imported and locally transmitted cases is rising as expected following the increase in air traffic. The identification of several clusters indicates localized viral circulation on the island, secondary to the arrival of travelers. However, Réunion remains at a limited vulnerability level. The testing rate is increasing, linked to the rise in the number of travelers getting tested on day 7 after arrival, and to a lesser extent to the organization of community-based testing.

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

• It is still important to follow protective measures, keeping in mind that the virus can be transmitted by people who do not have symptoms. Wearing a mask remains crucial to prevent transmission of the virus via droplets and airborne routes, a mode of transmission that cannot be ruled out based on current knowledge.