ISS, October 8th 2021
Here are the main data provided by the Situation Room:
The weekly incidence at national level has decreased: 34 per 100,000 inhabitants (01/09/2021 - 07/09/2021) versus 37 per 100,000 inhabitants (24/09/2021 - 30/09/2021), data from the Ministry of Health. The incidence was below the weekly threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants which means that transmission can be held in check through containment, identification of cases and through the tracing of their contacts.
· In the period from 15 to 28 September 2021, the average Rt calculated on symptomatic cases was equal to 0.83 (range 0.81 - 0.86), therefore below the epidemic threshold and stable compared to the previous week. The transmissibility index based on hospitalized cases also remained stable (Rt = 0.80 (0.76-0.85) on 28/9/2021 versus Rt = 0.80 (0.77-0.84) on 21/9/2021).
· Bed occupancy in intensive care units decreased a little to 4.2% (daily survey by the Ministry of Health) and bed occupancy in medical wards nationwide decreased to 4.9% (07/10/2021).
· 4 Regions / Autonomous Provinces were classified as being at moderate risk, according to the Ministerial Decree of 30 April 2020. The remaining 17 Regions / Autonomous Provinces were classified as low risk.
· The number of new cases not associated with transmission chains decreased (5,903 versus 7,070 the previous week) and the percentage of cases detected through contact tracing declined a little (33% versus 34% the previous week). The percentage of cases detected through the onset of symptoms increased (47% versus 45%) and the percentage of cases diagnosed through screening activities remained stable (21% versus 21%).
· Higher vaccination coverage and completion of the vaccination course are the main tools to prevent further upsurges in the circulation of the virus which has been strengthened by the emerging variants.
Almost all cases in Italy are due to the Delta variant.
· It is advisable to carry out extensive contact tracing and containment of cases, keep up our guard and comply with the measures and behaviours aimed at curbing further increases in the circulation of the virus.
• La variante Delta rappresenta la quasi totalità dei casi in Italia.
• È opportuno realizzare un capillare tracciamento e contenimento dei casi, mantenere elevata l’attenzione ed applicare e rispettare misure e comportamenti per limitare l’ulteriore aumento della circolazione virale.
