Key points
In week 1-2023, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 slowed further at national level. The incidence rate dropped again, but less markedly in the under-20 age group. Hospital admissions and deaths continued to decrease.
- Metropolitan France:
- Incidence rate in decline in all regions
- Hospital admission rates falling in all regions
- Number of deaths in decline
- Overseas France:
- Decrease in incidence and hospital admission rates in most regions
Variants
- BA.5 omnipresent (93% of sequences in week 52 Flash Survey on 26 December); among its sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 appears to stabilise (69% vs 67% in week 51 Flash Survey)
Prevention
- Vaccination on 9 January 2023 (Vaccin Covid data):
- 17.9% of 60-79 year-olds had received a booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant (22.8% among those eligible); 21% of 80+ year-olds had equally received this booster dose (24.6% among those eligible);
- 30.9% of 60-79 year-olds and 21.9% of 80+ year-olds are considered protected by vaccination.
- Given that SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses remain in active circulation, continued 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 series, 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 enclosedspaces.
