In its weekly update, Public Health France warns of an increase in epidemiological indicators in connection with the end of year celebrations.
Thursday, Prime Minister Jean Castex, while announcing the maintenance of the measures taken by the government – curfew, closure of bars and restaurants, as well as cultural places that can accommodate the public – had underlined that “the level of contamination (in France remains high) ”. “The health situation has become more fragile in recent weeks, (with) pressure on our hospital system which remains very strong,” he explained at a press conference. Comments confirmed by Public Health France in its weekly update. Week 53 marked the beginning of the period during which a possible increase in epidemiological indicators in connection with the end of the year holidays could begin to be observed, the statement explained. And there was no miracle …
The test positivity rate is on the rise
“Several indicators are already on the increase, reflecting the impact of these holidays and in particular Christmas. The number of confirmed cases increased by 17% (96,536 cases vs. 82,687 cases in W52). With 13,820 confirmed cases on average every day in France over week 53, the number of confirmed cases is at a high level. The increase was observed in all age groups. An increase in cases against a background of a decrease in the number of people tested, which testifies to a real increase in incidence. The 5.4% positivity rate, up 2.6 points compared to the previous week, could lead to an increase in cases in the coming days, especially among those aged 60 and over, further warns Public Health France. The number of patients hospitalized in France for Covid-19 is still high, with 24,904 patients hospitalized on January 5, 2021, including 2,625 in intensive care. The number of new deaths, including deaths occurring in hospital and in medico-social establishments (deaths occurring at home not included), remains high, with more than 2,000 deaths last week.
Finally, Santé Publique France is of course concerned about the progression of infections linked to the new variants. As of January 6, 2021, 19 cases of infections with the variant VOC 202012/01 (identified in the United Kingdom) and three cases of infections with the variant 501.V2 (identified in South Africa) have been confirmed in metropolitan France, recalls the communicated. It is likely that the dissemination of these variants nationwide is currently underestimated, and the presence of at least 2 UK variant cases unrelated to the UK suggests the start of community transmission, adds. he.
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