Key points

In week 32, epidemiological indicators continued to improve throughout all French territories except Reunion Island.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Continued decline in the incidence rate in all age groups and regions

  • Incidence rates highest in the 20-39 years and 90+ age groups

  • Hospital admission rates continue to fall across the country

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence and positivity rates high and rising in Reunion Island

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: BA.5 omnipresent, again accounting for 93% of sequences in the week 31 Flash Survey (1 August)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 15 August 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • Vaccination coverage for the booster dose remains stable at 75.3% in the population aged 18+ and 85.2% in the 65+ age group

  • Second booster dose: 25.8% of 60-79 year-olds (representing 32.5% of those who are eligible according to the vaccination schedule) and 34.1% of people aged 80+ (45.2% of those who are eligible)

• In the context of the summer holidays and activities conducive to transmission of the virus, upholding the combined protective measures remains essential:

  • staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations;

  • self-isolation in case of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or symptoms;

  • application of precautionary measures, including wearing a mask systematically around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces favourable to transmission (especially on public transport and at large gatherings), and frequent hand washing. During heatwaves, ventilation of enclosed spaces should be limited to the cooler hours of the day.