While the data shows a slight increase in the circulation of the virus in the Rhône, two isolated cases of the English variant have been detected in Lyon.
It’s in Lyon, at the National Reference Center for Respiratory Infection Viruses located in Croix-Rousse, that the analyzes are carried out.
“We now use RT-PCR tests which make it easier to identify the English variant and if there is any doubt, the laboratory allows the genomic sequencing analysis which is done by the center to verify the existence of a variant. or not“, indicates Philippe Guétat.
Indicators on the rise
The latest epidemiological indicators show a slight increase in the circulation of the virus in the Rhône department, still on a high plateau.
Hospitalizations, occupancy of intensive care beds and positivity rate: in recent days, health authorities have observed “a tremor on the rise” in the Rhône and in the Métropole de Lyon.
The figures are of course closely monitored, in particular to ensure that the end of year celebrations “did not cause an outbreak“Contamination, as Prime Minister Jean Castex indicated last week. According to the ARS, the holidays could be responsible for the increase observed at this time, but the causes are not clearly identified.
As of January 20, 213 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants have been identified in the department, the incidence rate is roughly the same for the Metropolis of Lyon. Far from the 900 cases per 100,000 inhabitant recorded between the end of October and the beginning of November.
To note that the positivity rate increases slightly to 8% this week. At the moment, 131 people are hospitalized in intensive care in the Rhône, the number of admitted patients continues to increase: 69 in 24 hours including 12 in intensive care.
Continue screening
While the vaccination campaign is intensifying, in particular in nursing homes where around 500 people have received their first injection since Monday, January 18, Philippe Guétat wishes to recall the importance of screening tests.
At the beginning of February, 23 to 24 vaccination centers will be open in the departement. “We will manage to mesh the entire territory and that of the Metropolis of Lyon“, finally underlines Philippe Guétat. But screening must continue on a massive scale.
“Of course we must continue, today in the Rhône there are around 55,000 screenings per week and we could do three times more with the means at our disposal.“, he adds.
Targeted operations are also planned soon on university campuses but also in certain territories.
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