Key Points

• As of August 5, 2020, more than 18.5 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, including more than 700,000 deaths. In the subregion, Madagascar is the hardest-hit country with more than 12,000 recorded cases (327 cases on August 5) and 127 reported deaths. In Mayotte, the epidemic is in a declining phase, but the positivity rate remains high (5.5% and 16 cases reported in week 31).

• In France, since week 27, the number of confirmed cases, emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19, reports from long-term care facilities, and clusters have been increasing. Between July 27 and August 2, 2020, more than 525,800 people were tested for SARS-CoV-2; the positivity rate was 1.6% and the incidence rate was 12 per 100,000 inhabitants, both of which were higher than the previous week. As of August 5, 2020, 11 departments were classified as moderately vulnerable (Nord, Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Val d’Oise, Ille-et-Vilaine, Gironde, Haute-Garonne, Haute-Savoie, Bouches-du-Rhône) and 3 were at high risk (Mayenne, Mayotte, French Guiana). The risk level reflects the circulation of the virus and its impact on public health.

• In Réunion, the number of imported and locally transmitted cases has decreased over the past two weeks, possibly due to the requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test result to board a flight to Réunion, which has been in effect since July 19, 2020. Reunion remains at a limited vulnerability level, but the risk of transmission chains arising from imported cases is present. The testing rate is higher than that of France as a whole, due to the number of travelers getting tested seven days after arrival, and to the organization of community and market testing initiated by local municipalities.

• 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 always 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 preventing transmission of the virus through droplets and airborne transmission.