Summary

In Week 12 (March 16–22, 2020), due to the lockdown, emergency room visits and hospitalizations following such visits decreased among children (by 53% and 31%, respectively) and among adults (by 33% and 14%, respectively).

This decline in overall activity is observed across most non-specific and seasonal indicators. Nevertheless, across all age groups, there was a stabilization (or even an increase in some age groups) in visits for isolated fever (+15% in adults), asthma, and pneumonia (+8.4% and +9% respectively in the 15–74 age group). There was also an increase in visits for chest pain among those aged 15–74 (data not presented in this document).

Among the 10 most common conditions in adults, the “suspected coronavirus” indicator has risen sharply (the second most common condition; a 163% increase in visits), as have visits for cough and dyspnea/respiratory failure (a 52% and 18% increase in visits, respectively).

These trends, particularly those regarding visits for respiratory conditions, cough, and isolated fever, are linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.