Key Points

The slowdown in viral circulation continued in week 2021-34: positivity and incidence rates were declining, while testing rates were also decreasing. The 15–44 age group recorded the highest incidence rate, particularly among those aged 20–39.

However, the situation remains critical in hospitals, with very high hospitalization (all-department admissions) and mortality rates. Excess mortality, across all ages and causes, has been recorded since week 2021-30.

The R-value calculated from SI-DEP data for samples collected between August 22 and 28, 2021, was significantly below 1: 0.73 [0.70–0.76]. The Delta variant has been the dominant strain since week 2021-31.