Key Points - COVID-19 Outbreak in the Pays de la Loire Region

In the Pays de la Loire region, epidemiological indicators continued to rise in weeks 36 and 37, with the regional incidence rate reaching 51.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 37 (exceeding the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The positivity rate rose in week 36 and stabilized in week 37 (3.4%). High circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is observed among young adults. The number of reported clusters rose sharply in week 37, particularly in schools and universities. A slight increase in reports of cases in healthcare settings was observed in the region during week 37, though levels remained below those seen during the first wave of the epidemic. No significant increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations was observed in the region. Significant disparities among departments were noted in the dynamics of the epidemic within the region.

In Maine-et-Loire, a sharp rise in epidemic activity was observed in week 36 and continued into week 37 (incidence rate at 74.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Maine-et-Loire was classified as having a high vulnerability level on September 10. The number of clusters reported in this department rose sharply in week 37. In Sarthe, classified as having a high vulnerability level since August 20, a deterioration in the epidemiological situation was observed in week 37, with an increase in the incidence rate to 65.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (above the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), whereas a more favorable trend had been observed in weeks 36 and 35. In Loire-Atlantique, following a sharp rise in epidemic activity in week 36, the situation stabilized in week 37. Loire-Atlantique was classified as having a high vulnerability level on September 10. In Mayenne, classified as having moderate vulnerability since August 10, an increase in the incidence rate was observed in weeks 36 and 37. In Vendée, the only department in the region classified as having limited vulnerability, indicators are rising but remain at a lower level compared to other departments in the region. The incidence rate nevertheless crossed the alert threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 37.

Given the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in the 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.