Key Points

In Week 19, all epidemiological indicators continued to improve at the national level, although SARS-CoV-2 transmission was still intensifying in Martinique.

• Mainland France:

  • Incidence, testing, and positivity rates declining in all regions

  • Hospitalization rates down in all regions

• Overseas territories:

  • Sharp increase in virological indicators, returning to very high levels in Martinique

  • Virological indicators remain stable at a high level in Guadeloupe

  • Improvement in the epidemiological situation in Réunion

Variants

• Omicron BA.2 sublineage dominant: 98.7% of interpretable sequences from the Flash S18 survey (05/02)

• Increased presence of the L452R mutation in screening, linked to the rise of certain Omicron sublineages (notably BA.4, BA.5, and certain BA.2 carrying this mutation)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of May 16, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • Vaccination coverage for the booster dose was 74.1% among those aged 18 and older (84.0% among those aged 65 and older)

  • Only 34.8% of eligible individuals aged 60–79 and 25.5% of eligible individuals aged 80 and older had received their second booster dose

• The continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses requires us to remain vigilant, particularly to protect the most vulnerable, and to adhere to:

  • Isolation in the event of symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test

  • Individual adherence to preventive measures: first and foremost, wearing a mask (in crowded indoor spaces, in the presence of at-risk individuals, or during large gatherings), handwashing, and frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces

Learn more

• See our special report on the COVID-19 pandemic

• Visit our page on variants

• View all national epidemiological updates