Key Points

In week 34, the slowdown in the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 continued with a drop in the number of hospital and intensive care admissions, although disparities existed across the country. The situation was particularly critical in Martinique and Guadeloupe, and concerning in French Guiana. At the national level, the testing rate remained very high. The incidence rate, while still high, decreased in all age groups, except for children aged 0–9 (stable) and those aged 3–5 (slight increase). The number of contacts reported by cases remained low, indicating incomplete identification of contacts. As of August 31, 72.3% of the French population had received at least one vaccine dose, and 66.0% were fully vaccinated. In view of the start of the new school year and the return to work after the summer holidays, the vaccination of all eligible people is crucial. Vaccination should be combined with strict adherence to other preventive measures, notably by following protective guidelines, limiting high-risk contacts, and self-isolating in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case. Combining different measures is necessary to stabilize the current epidemic situation and protect the healthcare system.