Key points
In week 48, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 continued to increase at national level. Virological indicators (as calculated from antigen tests alone and from all tests) were rising, as were those for health care use. Hospital indicators were also on the rise.
- Metropolitan France:
- Incidence rate still increasing in all regions
- Hospital admissions up in majority of regions Number of deaths rising
- Overseas France:
- Incidence and hospital admission rates increasing in Guadeloupe
Variants
- Omicron sub-lineages: BA.5 omnipresent, accounting for 95% of sequences in the week 47 Flash Survey (21 November)
- Among BA.5 sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (58% in week 47 Flash Survey vs 54% in week 46 Flash Survey)
Prevention
- Vaccination on 5 December 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):
- 8.8% of 60-79 year-olds had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (representing 9.7% of those eligible), while 32.1% of this age group is considered protected by vaccination;
- 11.2% of 80+ year-olds had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (representing 12.8% of those eligible), while 14.4% of this age group is considered protected by vaccination.
- Amid SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses in active circulation, it is necessary to increase compliance with preventive measures:
- up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose of bivalent vaccine (protecting against the original strain and the Omicron variant of Sars-CoV-2) for eligible individuals already vaccinated with a primary course, and vaccination against influenza viruses;
- self-isolation in case of a positive COVID-19 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.
