Key Points

COVID-19 Outbreak in the Pays de la Loire Region

In the Pays de la Loire region, an increase in epidemiological indicators has been observed, with an incidence rate of 20.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 33. In Sarthe, a significant increase in epidemiological indicators has been observed since week 31. The incidence rate rose very rapidly in week 33 and exceeded the alert threshold set at 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (60.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). A sharp increase in the positivity rate was also observed in week 33, exceeding the vigilance threshold of 5% (5.1%). After being classified as having moderate vulnerability on August 10, Sarthe was classified as having high vulnerability on August 20. The epidemiological situation in this department calls for the utmost vigilance.

In Mayenne, a favorable trend in indicators was observed during week 32. A downward trend in the incidence rate continued in week 33, coinciding with a decrease in testing activity. A slight increase in the test positivity rate was observed in week 33 (1.8%). After being classified as having a high vulnerability level from July 15 to August 10, Mayenne was reclassified as having a moderate vulnerability level on August 10.

The region’s three other departments remain classified at a limited vulnerability level as of August 20.

Across the entire region, it is essential to continue adhering to hygiene, protective, and physical distancing measures in order to minimize the emergence or persistence of active transmission chains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS)

Heat wave in the region from August 6 (4:00 p.m.) to August 12 (4:00 p.m.), with three departments classified as orange alert by Météo-France (Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, and Sarthe) and two departments classified as yellow alert (Loire-Atlantique and Vendée). Moderate increase in emergency room visits and SOS Médecins calls for heat-related conditions during this period, with a peak reached on August 9 and 11 for emergency rooms and on August 8 for SOS Médecins. These activity levels observed across all age groups were generally lower than those observed in previous years during heat wave alerts.