COVID-19: Epidemiological Update for June 16, 2022

Published on 16 June 2022

Key Points

In Week 23, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 accelerated across the entire metropolitan area, with a sharp rise in virological indicators. An upward trend in hospital admissions was also observed.

Mainland France:
- Incidence rate* rising sharply across all age groups
- Particularly marked increase in the positivity rate among 20- to 59-year-olds (+5 percentage points)
- Rate of new hospitalizations rising in certain regions, particularly in Île-de-France
Overseas territories:
- Virological indicators continue to rise and remain at very high levels in Martinique
- Incidence rate* continues to rise in French Guiana

Variants

Omicron BA.2 sublineages remain predominant: 72% of interpretable sequences from the Flash S22 survey (05/30)
Detection of BA.4 (3.7%) and BA.5 (24.2%) on the rise
Increase in the presence of the L452 mutation in screening (46% in S23 vs. 28% in S22), linked to the rise of certain Omicron sublineages including BA.4 and BA.5

Prevention

Vaccination as of June 13, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):
- Vaccination coverage for the booster dose was 74.5% among those aged 18 and older (84.4% among those aged 65 and older)
- Only 29.1% of those aged 60–79 and 29.2% of those aged 80 and older eligible for the second booster dose have actually received it
Given the accelerating spread of SARS-CoV-2, adherence to combined measures is essential, particularly to protect the most vulnerable populations:
- It remains necessary to self-isolate if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19
- It is essential for individuals to reinforce preventive measures, including wearing a mask (in the presence of vulnerable people and in crowded indoor spaces or at large gatherings) and handwashing. During this period of early heat waves, ventilation of enclosed spaces should be limited to the coolest hours of the day.