Key points

In week 52, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 declined further in France. The incidence rate fell sharply across all age groups in a context of significantly lower screening rates, particularly among people under the age of 60. The number of new hospital admissions remained high, but decreased for the second consecutive week.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Virological indicators and hospital admissions decreasing in all regions

  • Slight rise in positivity rate in the under-20 age group

  • Number of deaths still high

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate stabilising in Reunion Island

Variants

• BA.5 omnipresent (93% of sequences in week 50 Flash Survey on 12 December); among its sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continued to rise (70% vs 67% in week 49 Flash Survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 2 January 2023 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 16.3% of 60-79 year-olds had received a booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant (21.8% of those eligible in the age group); 19.6% of 80+ year-olds had equally received this booster dose (23.2% of those eligible);

  • 32.7% of 60-79 year-olds and 21.0% of 80+ year-olds are considered protected by vaccination.

• Given that SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses remain in active circulation, increased 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 course, 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 enclosed spaces.