Key points

In week 46, virological indicators (calculated based on antigen tests only and for all tests) along with the number of consultations showed that SARS-CoV-2 circulation had resumed nationwide. Similarly, hospital indicators were on the rise again.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Rising incidence rates

  • Positivity rates up

  • Increase in new hospital and intensive care admissions

• Overseas France:

  • Increased incidence rates in most regions, particularly in French Guiana and Mayotte

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: mostly BA.5, accounting for 93% of sequences in the Flash Survey W45 (11/07)*

• Among the BA.5 sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (39% vs 29% in the Flash Survey of week 43)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of November 21, 2022 (COVID-19 vaccine data):

  • 6.1% of people aged 60–79 had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (8.6% of those eligible). Currently, 31.2% of this age group are considered protected by the vaccine.

  • 7.9% of people aged 80 and older had received a booster dose for the Omicron variant (9.7% of those eligible), and 12.0% are considered protected.

• Given the active circulation of SARS-CoV-2, adherence to combined measures remains crucial:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for eligible individuals who have completed a primary vaccination series; self-isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test result and/or symptoms;

  • continued precautionary measures, including wearing a mask (particularly around vulnerable people, in enclosed, crowded areas, or at large gatherings), frequent handwashing, and ventilation of enclosed spaces.

*unconsolidated data