Key Points

In Week 3, SARS-CoV-2 circulation increased to a high level, which is of great concern given the presence of more transmissible variants

• Increase in the number of new confirmed cases

• Significant increase in hospitalizations and ICU admissions

• Regions still most affected: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Mortality

• COVID-19-related mortality remains high

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

• 299 cases of infection with the 20I/501Y.V1 variant identified across all metropolitan regions

• 40 cases of infection with the 20H/501Y.V2 variant identified in 9 regions

Mental health

• CoviPrev Study: Anxiety and depression remain at high levels in the population

Prevention

• Vaccination (COVID-19 vaccine): 1,130,753 people who had received at least one dose as of January 26, 2021

• CoviPrev Study: increased intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (54% vs. 40% in mid-December)

• Need to reinforce adherence to preventive measures and limit contact

• If symptoms develop, immediate isolation is required, and a test should be taken as soon as possible