Key Points

In Week 17, the decline in SARS-CoV-2 transmission accelerated across the country, with a confirmed drop in hospital admissions; however, virological and hospital indicators remained at high levels.

• Mainland France:

  • Significant decline in virological indicators across all age groups

  • Incidence rate approaching 500 per 100,000

  • Positivity rate still high but declining

  • Decline in new hospital admissions

• Overseas territories:

  • Virological and hospital indicators remain high in Réunion despite the beginning of a decline

Variants

• The Omicron BA.2 sublineage accounted for 99% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S16 survey (04/19)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of May 2, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 83.8% of those aged 65 and older had received a full primary vaccination series and a booster dose

  • Among those aged 60–79, 3.9% had received their second booster dose (34.1% of those eligible)

  • Among those aged 80 and older, 15.1% had received their second booster (22.3% of those eligible)

• Given that SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are still circulating, albeit at declining rates, it remains necessary to:

  • Isolate yourself if you have symptoms and test positive for COVID-19

  • Continue to follow individual preventive measures, including wearing a mask (especially around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces), washing hands, and regularly ventilating indoor spaces

Learn more

• See our special report on the COVID-19 pandemic

• Visit our page on variants

• View all national epidemiological updates