Key points

In week 1-2023, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 slowed further at national level. The incidence rate dropped again, but less markedly in the under-20 age group. Hospital admissions and deaths continued to decrease.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Incidence rate in decline in all regions

  • Hospital admission rates falling in all regions

  • Number of deaths in decline

• Overseas France:

  • Decrease in incidence and hospital admission rates in most regions

Variants

• BA.5 omnipresent (93% of sequences in week 52 Flash Survey on 26 December); among its sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 appears to stabilise (69% vs 67% in week 51 Flash Survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 9 January 2023 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 17.9% of 60-79 year-olds had received a booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant (22.8% among those eligible); 21% of 80+ year-olds had equally received this booster dose (24.6% among those eligible);

  • 30.9% of 60-79 year-olds and 21.9% of 80+ year-olds are considered protected by vaccination.

• Given that SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses remain in active circulation, continued compliance with preventive measures is necessary:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose of bivalent vaccine (protecting against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals already vaccinated with a primary series, and flu vaccination,

  • self-isolation in case of a positive test and/or symptoms;

  • continued application of precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask (particularly around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces favourable to transmission such as public transport), hand washing and ventilation of enclosedspaces.