Key points

In week 46, virological indicators (calculated based on antigen tests only and for all tests) along with the number of consultations showed that circulation of SARS-CoV-2 had resumed nationwide. Similarly, hospital indicators were up again.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Incidence rates rising

  • Positivity rates up

  • Upturn in new hospital and intensive care admissions

• Overseas France:

  • Increased incidence rates in most regions, particularly in French Guiana and Mayotte

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: mostly BA.5 with 93% of sequences in the Flash Survey W45 (07/11)*

• Among the BA.5 sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (39% vs 29% in the Flash Survey of week 43)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 21 November 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 6.1% of people aged 60-79 had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (8.6% of those eligible). Currently, 31.2% of this age group are considered protected by the vaccine.

  • 7.9% of people aged 80+ had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (9.7% of those eligible) and 12.0% are considered protected.

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

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the initial strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for eligible individuals who have received a primary vaccination series, selfisolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;

  • continued precautionary measures, including wearing a mask (particularly around vulnerable people, in closed, crowded areas or at large gatherings), frequent handwashing and ventilation of closed areas.

*unconsolidated data