Key points

In week 38, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 remained intense although the increase in new cases was less substantial. Meanwhile, hospital indicators were on the rise.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Increase in incidence rate, although smaller than the previous week, throughout the territory

  • Increase in incidence rate most significant among the elderly

  • Rise in hospital admissions

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate falling in all territories

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: BA.5 omnipresent, accounting for 91% of sequences in the week 37 Flash Survey (12 September)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 26 September 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 74.4% of the population aged 18+ and 82.4% of the 65+ age group had received a booster dose

  • 29.3% of 60-79 year-olds (representing 34.8% of those eligible given the date of their last injection) and 36.9% of people aged 80+ (48.3% of those eligible) had received a second booster dose

• Given the accelerated circulation of SARS-CoV-2, compliance with the combined measures remains essential:

  • staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including the second booster dose for the elderly;

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

  • continued application of precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask, particularly around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces favourable to transmission (public transport, large gatherings, etc.), frequent hand washing and ventilation of interiors.