Key points

In week 42, a slowdown in circulation of SARS-CoV-2 was observed, as well as an improvement in hospital indicators. The number of deaths continued its progression.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Drop in incidence rate in all regions

  • Reduced incidence observed across all age groups

  • Drop in number of hospitalisations

  • Number of deaths continuing to rise

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate increasing in Guadeloupe and stable or down slightly at low levels in other overseas territories

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: Mostly BA.5 with 91% of sequences in the week 41 Flash Survey (10/10)

• Among the BA.5 sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (21% vs 19% in the week 40 Flash survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 24 October 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 74.5% of the population aged 18+ and 82.6% of the population aged 65+ had received at least one booster shot.

  • 32.4% of 60-79 year-olds (representing 38.4% of those who are eligible given the time since their last injection) and 39.2% of those aged 80 and over (51.1% of those who are eligible) had received their second booster shot.

• Given the continuing active circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and with the approach of the winter, compliance with combinedmeasures remains crucial:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose of bivalent vaccine (protecting against the original strain andthe Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for individuals already vaccinated with a primary course eligible for a first or secondbooster;

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

  • continued application of precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask, particularly around vulnerable peopleand in enclosed spaces (public transport) or during large gatherings and frequent hand washing and ventilation of interiors.