Key points

In week 42, a slowdown in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 was observed, along with an improvement in hospital indicators. The number of deaths continued to rise.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Decrease in incidence rate across all regions

  • Reduced incidence observed across all age groups

  • Drop in the number of hospitalizations

  • Number of deaths continues to rise

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate increasing in Guadeloupe and stable or down slightly at low levels in other overseas territories

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: Mostly BA.5, accounting for 91% of sequences in the Week 41 Flash Survey (10/10)

• Among the BA.5 sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (21% vs. 19% in the Week 40 Flash Survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of October 24, 2022 (COVID-19 vaccine data):

  • 74.5% of the population aged 18 and older and 82.6% of the population aged 65 and older had received at least one booster shot.

  • 32.4% of people aged 60–79 (representing 38.4% of those eligible given the time since their last injection) and 39.2% of those aged 80 and older (51.1% of those eligible) had received their second booster shot.

• Given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and with winter approaching, adherence to combined measures remains crucial:

  • 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 individuals already vaccinated with a primary course who are eligible for a first or second booster;

  • self-isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;

  • continued adherence to precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask, particularly around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces (public transportation) or during large gatherings, as well as frequent handwashing and ventilation of indoor spaces.