COVID-19: Epidemiological Update for February 16, 2023

Published on 16 February 2023

Key Points

In Week 06, virological indicators were at a low level and continued to decline. However, indicators of outpatient care utilization remained stable, while those for emergency department visits showed a slight increase. New hospitalizations and deaths continued to decline.

Mainland France:
- Incidence and positivity rates declining in most age groups and regions
- incidence and positivity rates stabilizing among those aged 60 and older
- Hospitalization rates are declining in most regions
- Number of deaths decreasing
Overseas territories:
- Incidence and positivity rates are decreasing in most regions
- Hospitalization rates at a very low level

Variants

BA.5 remained the dominant variant but was declining (74% of sequences in the Flash S04 survey); with the BQ.1.1 sublineage stabilizing (59% for Flash S04 vs. 60% for S03)
The XBB recombinant increased to 14% (vs. 9% in Flash S03), with 11% being XBB.1.5 (vs. 7%)
All currently described Omicron sublineages exhibit similar characteristics

Prevention

Vaccination as of February 13, 2023 (Covid Vaccine data):
- 22.2% of those aged 60–79 had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (26.8% of those eligible); these figures were 24.9% and 28.5%, respectively, among those aged 80 and older;
- 27.4% of those aged 60–79 and 18.8% of those aged 80 and older had received a dose administered less than 6 and 3 months ago, respectively
Given the continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses, it remains recommended to adhere to the following combined measures:
- up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for those eligible who have received their primary series, as well as against the flu;
- continued adherence to preventive measures, particularly in the event of a positive test result and/or symptoms.