Key points

In week 21, virological indicators (based on SI-DEP data) stabilized amid very low testing rates. Emergency department visits also stabilized, and new hospital admissions continued to decline.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Incidence and positivity rates increased slightly or remained stable in most age groups and regions

  • Hospital admission rates were down in the majority of regions.

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rates fell in most regions

  • New hospital admissions remained low

Variants

• The XBB.1.5 recombinant remained predominant but appeared to decline, accounting for 45% of sequences in the Flash Survey for week 19*** (vs. 47% in the Flash Survey for week 18).

• XBB.1.16 increased (6% in the week 19*** Flash Survey vs. 3% in the week 18 Flash Survey)

• XBB.1.9 stabilized (28% in the Week 19*** Flash Survey vs. 29% in the Week 18 Flash Survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination on May 29, 2023 (COVID-19 vaccine data):

  • 23.9% of people aged 60–79 and 27.0% of people aged 80 and older had received a booster dose against the Omicron variant

• Given the current pandemic situation and the spring vaccination campaign, adherence to combined measures is still recommended:

  • updated COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot for eligible individuals who have completed a primary vaccine series;

  • continued application of protective measures, especially in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms, in order to protect vulnerable individuals.

***Data from the Week 19 Flash Survey are not consolidated and should be interpreted with caution.